[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 22]
[Senate]
[Page 29462]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES BEACH, JR.

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I am here today to remember the life of 
a dear friend, MG Charles Beach Jr., of Beattyville, KY. General Beach 
passed away this past Veterans Day, at the age of 90. He was a genuine 
servant to his country, his hometown, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 
While General Beach will be greatly missed, the contributions that he 
has made to Kentucky, and the sacrifices that he has made for this 
Nation, will surely live on as his legacy.
  Charles Beach knew from a young age that he wanted to serve his 
country, and in 1940, he graduated from the Virginia Military Institute 
in Lexington, VA. Shortly after graduation, he completed his special 
training and began his active service. While in Italy in 1944, Charles 
became severely wounded during battle. He spent the next 8 months 
recovering in a military hospital and was awarded the Purple Heart.
  Charles Beach joined the Army Reserves after he was released from 
active duty. After a short time in the Reserves, Beach was 
recommissioned into the U.S. Army, this time with the rank of major. In 
1976, he was promoted to major general after becoming the 18th 
Commander of the 100th Division, where he commanded the Kentucky Army 
Reserve Training Division.
  General Beach's contributions extended beyond his military service; 
he was an active member of his beloved hometown of Beattyville. The 
general served his community through many organizations including, as 
chairman of People Exchange Bank and Insurance, president of the 
Beattyville/Lee County Chamber of Commerce, president of September 
Place Retirement Village, and cofounder of a scholarship program to aid 
eastern Kentucky students wanting to pursue careers in medicine. This 
scholarship has increased the number of doctors in eastern Kentucky.
  For his service to the community, General Beach received several 
awards, including the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the 
Year and the Community Bankers of Kentucky Outstanding Community Banker 
of the Year awards. The Beattyville/Lee County Chamber of Commerce 
recognized General Beach for his 58 consecutive years as president. 
And, Beattyville Mayor Joseph Kash described Beach as ``a true 
gentleman and a hero of this community. It is appropriate that his 
passing was on Veterans Day. He was a true patriot.''
  The positive impact that General Beach has made on Kentucky and this 
Nation has certainly not ended with his passing. His legacy will 
continue to live on through the individuals and the communities he so 
lovingly helped lead. Known nationally for his leadership and service 
to our country, I know all Kentuckians join me in grieving the loss of 
Charles Beach.

                          ____________________