Alan Simpson: “in reflecting on my own lifetime of public service, I can think of no one whose sincere dedication to veterans, combined…”

“in reflecting on my own lifetime of public service, I can think of no one whose sincere dedication to veterans, combined with the ability to transform that dedication into a concrete reality, exceeds that of my old and dear friend G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery. We all know why the Montgomery GI bill carries Sonny Montgomery's name. It's not just an honor, it is a clear depiction of reality. What some Members of this body may not realize is that Sonny Montgomery's interests and everlasting impact extend far beyond the veterans' education benefit that carries his name. There is no path down which a veteran may travel that hasn't been scouted first and smoothed and improved by the Congressman from Mississippi, Sonny Montgomery. There is no benefit provided to our veterans by a grateful nation that does not bear the imprint of the longtime chairman, and now ranking minority member, of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Sonny Montgomery.”