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From Mack Fleming Chairman Montgomery created educational opportunity for millions of young men and women of our military who otherwise may not have had that opportunity. Indeed I think the Chairman would have described the Montgomery GI Bill’s Oct. 19, 2009, 25th anniversary, fundamentally as a testament to them and their initiative. Chairman Montgomery ensured that America’s veterans were represented at the highest councils of government by championing legislation, with Rep. Gerald B.H. Solomon, that made the Veterans Administration a cabinet department. Working with fellow Chairman Alan Cranston, Mr. Montgomery played a valued role in enacting The Veterans Judicial Review Act of 1988, which created the U.S.Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. A citizen-soldier his entire adult life, Mr. Montgomery worked tirelessly for the National Guard and Reserves and their valued role in responding to natural disasters at home and military threats abroad. But I think Chairman Montgomery’s enduring legislative achievements represented just one part of this unique man.He made many trips to South Vietnam to be with our soldiers.After the war ended,Mr.Montgomery led a delegation to North Vietnam on four occasions in search of American soldiers and airmen who were missing in action. Lastly, the Chairman’s quiet bearing, polite manner, and down-home friendliness made people feel comfortable. House colleagues described Mr. Montgomery as “an island of calm in a sea of contentiousness” when debate boiled over. He was the person political allies and adversaries alike turned to.And he never got wrapped up in what we might call his own importance. The legions of Americans that Mr. Montgomery befriended indeed knew they had a friend for life. Mack G. Fleming Staff Director and Chief Counsel Committee on Veterans’Affairs U.S.House of Representatives—1981-1994 Sewanee,South Carolina October 2010 From Robert (bob) Bailey I worked with Representative Montgomery in community, educational,military,and business settings for some 40 years. Sonny was more than a treasured friend. Like so many Mississippians, I considered Sonny a valued teacher and mentor. Four irreplaceable values shaped Sonny’s life:faith,patriotism, relationships, and perseverance.These values and his gentle demeanor served him well in 41 years of public service. Sonny never forgot where he came from or the opportunities afforded him as a young man. Sonny’s legacy of leadership and service lives on through the G.V.“Sonny”Montgomery Foundation,which furnishes scholarships and provides leadership recognition at Sonny’s alma mater, Mississippi State University.The enduring qualities of this unique man continue to empower our citizens,even in his passing. Robert (Bob) Bailey President,The G.V.“Sonny”Montgomery Foundation Yazoo City,Mississippi October 2010 AFTERWORD ACROSS THE AISLE 190 Mack Fleming Bob Bailey ...

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