Nathan Deal: “I have the honor today to rise in support of the memory of Army Sergeant Jason Robert Harkins by dedicating the United…”

“I have the honor today to rise in support of the memory of Army Sergeant Jason Robert Harkins by dedicating the United States Post Office located in Cleveland, Georgia, as the Sgt. Jason Harkins Post Office Building. It is, indeed, a sad but true honor to be able to recognize Sergeant Harkins. He was a member of the United States Army 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division of Fort Lewis, Washington. While serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, 25-year-old Sergeant Harkins was killed by a roadside bomb along with five other members of his platoon during combat operations in Baqubah, Iraq. For his valiant service to our country, Sergeant Harkins' family was presented the Bronze Star award and the Purple Heart. Born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Sergeant Harkins was a 1999 graduate of Habersham Central High School in Georgia, served 3 years in the United States Army Reserves and was currently serving with the Stryker Brigade located at Fort Lewis when the attack occurred.”