Cliff Stearns: “Jerry, it is with joy but also with sadness that I come down here in this short amount of time to tell you what a great…”

“Jerry, it is with joy but also with sadness that I come down here in this short amount of time to tell you what a great guy you are and how much we are going to miss you. I think a lot of people do not realize Jerry was an entrepreneur, an insurance agent. He was making a lot of money. And for him to come here, he gave up a lot of his business. It has been quite a sacrifice. In fact, I imagine he would be a multi-millionaire by now if he had still kept his business. Many of my colleagues talked about his experience in the Marine Corps. He also has served with distinction as an active member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Marine Corps League. So I think his patriotism is there for all of us to see. This gentleman also served with distinction on the Foreign Affairs Committee and on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. And we talk about his great distinction as chairman of the Committee on Rules, but those committees also were his forte. In addition, he is a former chairman of the Prisoners of War, Missing in Action Task Force, and is still an active participant in this task force. He has been identified with various issues, but the issue that I really identify with him is the second amendment and the fourth amendment.”