[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16815]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      WORLD WAR II VETERANS VISIT

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to 
Honor Flight South Alabama, a truly great branch of a great 
organization which is dedicated to bringing our World War II veterans 
to their memorial in Washington, DC.
  Honor Flight South Alabama has brought over 1,000 veterans and their 
companions to the World War II Memorial created in their honor and 
located in Washington, DC. The World War II Memorial honors the 16 
million veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, 
the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort 
from home.
  They are truly a remarkable breed of patriots. They endured and 
survived the biggest war in the history of the world, and deserve such 
a great memorial in their honor. This Nation owes a debt of gratitude 
for the sacrifices of these Americans, who left their families and 
lives behind to go ``fight the good fight.''
  The veterans I have spoken to are so positive and enjoy the visit so 
much. It is remarkable. To be recognized this way has meant so much to 
them. I have taken great pleasure in having the chance to share in the 
fellowship of these veterans.
  As in any great organization, there are many wonderful leaders who 
should be recognized. I wish to take a moment to appreciate a few of 
the directors of Honor Flight South Alabama.
  Ms. Margaret Coley, the Director of Volunteer Activities and School 
Support Systems, had the responsibility of the in-flight mail call 
program and Welcome Home Ticker Tape parade at Mobile Airport.
  COL Pat Downing, the Director of Guardian Training, was charged with 
the most responsible position on the team, that of presenting an in-
depth safety training program to all guardians, thereby allaying any 
fear on the part of the families in releasing their loved ones for 
flight day.
  Ms. Ann Eubanks, the director of the Medical Support Staff for 
Springhill Hospital, who was in charge of coordination of comprehensive 
medical support for our WWII veterans.
  Ms. Tina McGrath, the director of Administration, who organized and 
documented all of the administrative and financial information for the 
Honor Flight Program.
  COL John New, the director of Security, who organized all of the 
security arrangements between Mobile Regional and Washington Reagan 
airports and served as the liaison with the National Park Service for 
all memorials.
  CDR Pete Riehm, the director of Operations, who designed, organized, 
and maintained order for every phase of Honor Flight South Alabama 
activities.
  Finally, Dr. Barry L. Booth, the director of the Veteran-Guardian 
Program, who coordinated the assignment of all veterans and guardians 
and assisted in fund-raising activities.
  Without these patriotic men and women stepping up to organize this 
wonderful program, many of the WWII veterans in the region would not 
have had the opportunity to visit their capital and see the memorial 
they so richly deserve. I am grateful to all of those who contributed 
to the Honor Flight programs throughout the country and to those 
veterans who fought to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

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