[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             MOURNING THE LOSS OF GEORGE WILLIAM OWINGS III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 28, 2023

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of an 
outstanding Marine, Marylander, and American: my friend. George William 
Owings III. I had the privilege of working with him when he served in 
the Maryland House of Delegates and during his tenure as the Secretary 
of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. On October 31, he 
passed away at the age of 78. His passing was a great loss for our 
state and country.
  Although born in Florida, George was Marylander to his core, growing 
up in Calvert County and attending Calvert High School and the 
University of Maryland, College Park. From a young age, he showed 
tremendous commitment to his community and his country. In 1964, George 
left UMD to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Serving multiple 
tours in Vietnam, George attained the rank of Sergeant and received 
numerous commendations, including the Presidential Citation, Navy Unit 
Commendation with Bronze Star Device, Navy-Marine Corps Medal, and 
Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star Device.
  George continued to serve when he returned to Maryland. After finding 
success in banking, he started a career in Maryland politics. Governor 
William Donald Schaefer appointed him to serve in the House of 
Delegates in 1988. He won reelection multiple times and remained in the 
House of Delegates for sixteen years--ten of which he served as House 
Majority Whip.
  Recognizing George's character, skill as a legislator, and 
experiences as a veteran, Governor Robert Ehrlich appointed him to 
serve as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs in 
2004. Later, in 2007, Governor Martin O'Malley asked George to stay on 
as acting Secretary for the department, which he did for six months. 
Eight years later, Governor Larry Hogan asked him to serve in the role 
once again. That Democratic and Republican governors alike believed 
George was best suited to serve the needs of his fellow veterans is a 
testament to his strong reputation and record of getting things done.
  George was a crucial advocate for veterans, military families, and 
all Marylanders. I join them in mourning his loss. My prayers are with 
his son George, grandsons Patrick and Emerson, life-partner Katherine 
Marie Boyd, and the rest of the family and friends he cherished above 
all else. I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that George's 
positive impact on our state and our people will forever endure.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in praying for George and 
all those who mourn him.

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