Mike Collins: “I thank the gentleman from Kentucky and the gentlewoman from New Jersey for being a part of this today. Mr. Speaker, I…”

“I thank the gentleman from Kentucky and the gentlewoman from New Jersey for being a part of this today. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3821, legislation to name the Clermont Post Office after Lance Corporal Zach T. Addington. I introduced this legislation to honor Zach, a fellow northeast Georgian, for giving his life in service to our Nation during the Vietnam war. Zach Addington was born to Addison S. and Lillie Addington on November 1, 1948, in Gainesville, Georgia. He and his family lived in Clermont, Georgia, where he attended Clermont Elementary School and my alma mater, which we share, North Hall High School. He graduated in 1967. Zach enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a private, in July of 1967, and became a rifleman in the 3rd Marine Division of the Fleet Marine Force. He was promoted to private first class on December 1, 1967, and he was deployed to Vietnam on December 19 of the same year. On April 1, 1968, Zach was promoted to lance corporal. His company was participating in Operation Scotland II when they engaged hostile forces in the vicinity of Hill 689, four kilometers west-southwest of Khe Sanh Airfield. On May 16, 1968, Zach Addington was killed in action. His captain, William McArdle, stated that he was ``one of the finest marines I have ever known. His exemplary conduct, leadership, and singular determination to do every job well were qualities that all of us respected.'' On June 6, 1968, Mr.…”