[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21166]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 21166]]

            A TRIBUTE TO STAFF SERGEANT GEORGE ANDREW LITTLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2001

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay to one of North 
Carolina's finest gentlemen, Staff Sergeant George Andrew Little, on 
his service and inspiration to our State and Nation.
  Theodore Roosevelt, our nation's 25th President, once said, ``It is 
not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong 
man crumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. 
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face 
is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who 
knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions; who spends himself in 
a worthy cause; who . . . knows in the end the triumph of high 
achievement.'' For four years, Sergeant Little was in the arena as part 
of our nation's military force defending freedom and defeating fear. 
And his spirit, service, and sacrifice continue to shine brightly today 
for all to emulate.
  Enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps just prior to his 19th birthday, 
Staff Sergeant Little passed up two college scholarships to serve his 
country and fellow citizens. From Saipan to Okinawa, Staff Sergeant 
Little faced enemy fire, looked death in the face, but always 
persevered to continue serving his Nation. Even with the loss of his 
eyesight during conflict and undergoing over 50 operations to repair 
his facial structure, Mr. Little looked toward the future with optimism 
and energy. He next founded George A. Little, Inc., a construction and 
realty firm in North Carolina. From building houses to businesses to 
churches, Mr. Little became the first blind contractor in North 
Carolina. After defeating meningitis which was caused by fragments of 
bullet lodged in his forehead, Mr. Little, and his lovely wife Marie, 
now reside in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina where he remains a 
dedicated public citizen.
  Mr. Speaker, these are trying times for our nation, our citizens, and 
our military. But through the efforts and heroism of individuals like 
George Andrew Little, the United States of America stands tall. I thank 
him for the service he has given to our state and nation. May God's 
strength, peace and joy be with him always.

                          ____________________