[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16803]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              IN TRIBUTE TO THE LATE AUBREY EMMITT FALLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                              of georgia-

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
service of a truly great American, Aubrey Emmitt Fallin. Aubrey was a 
courageous veteran, a dedicated citizen, and a fiercely loyal friend 
and father.
  Aubrey was a patriot by anybody's definition. He served as a marine 
during WWII, landing on Iwo Jima February 19, 1945. He demonstrated 
indestructible bravery and strength, enduring a grueling 24 hours in 
which 2,721 of his fellow patriots lost their lives. Within the 
following 36 days, over 7,000 American soldiers were killed in action. 
His presence during this historic struggle put him in one of the 
bloodiest battles in World history. If it were not for brave men like 
Aubrey the war would have been lost. Risking and overcoming much, 
Aubrey emerged from the war with deeply rooted pride, admiration, 
respect, and love for his America.
  After his completion of service, Aubrey was not only a veteran, he 
was a veteran's veteran. Beyond his recollection and stories of this 
era he would also give lectures on how to apply yesterday's lessons to 
today and tomorrow. In peacetime, he was just as fierce of a freedom 
fighter as he was when bullets were flying all around him. Even as his 
health failed him, he kept a vigilant eye out for the best interest of 
America. He used his devotion to our great nation to spur and awaken 
that very same passion within every individual he knew.
  Beyond the battlefield, Aubrey served on the front lines of his local 
political community through his active leadership. He was a member of 
Coffee County Board of Registrars, The American Legion and Veterans of 
Foreign War, past chairman of The Coffee County Republican Party, 
former president of Douglas Hobos & Shriner Clowns, a member of the 
Masons and Shriners, and a past president of the Exchange Club. He 
manifested his faithful love for our country through continuing to 
sacrifice his time and serve his fellow citizens. His unwavering 
service, vigilance, and outspoken nature secured freedom for all.
  Aubrey was an unquestionably loyal friend. I never left Coffee County 
without at least one bag of peanut brittle. Enjoying a treat made by 
such patriotic and loving hands was an honor. We will miss Aubrey as a 
friend and companion, and we will always be appreciative of the freedom 
we enjoy because of his and others' sacrifice. His life undoubtedly 
impacted all who came in contact with him for the better. Aubrey has 
left a lasting legacy of compassion, strength, and service. May God 
bless his memory forever!

                          ____________________