Thursday, July 15, 2010

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Floor Statement Honoring Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins
Remarks as Delivered on the Senate Floor

Madam President, I am pleased to join the senior Senator from Georgia, my friend SAXBY CHAMBLISS, to pay tribute today to Robert Collins.

This naming of a post office is most appropriate in Tyrone, GA, and it is most appropriate because of the great sacrifice of this young man, whose story, as Senator Chambliss says, is compelling.

One interesting point I wish to make is that he was the son of two lieutenant colonels retired from the U.S. military. His mother, LTC Sharon L.G. Collins, and his father, LTC Burkitt "Deacon" Collins, spent more than 20 years in the U.S. military.

His mother said: We never asked him to follow us into the family business--being the military--but he did follow us into the family business in large measure because of what happened on 9/11/2001.

Following that tragic day in American history when he watched the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, he expressed to his parents a desire to join the U.S. military. His mother responded, along with his father, by making an appointment for him to visit West Point. They dressed him up in his very best outfit and took him to West Point.

Upon leaving Tyrone, one of his friends stopped him before he got in the car to go to West Point and said: Why are you dressed up so well?

He said: Because my mom and dad are colonels.

That is the kind of young man he was--respect for his parents, the U.S. military, and the greatness of our country.

He applied to West Point. Senator Chambliss appointed him to West Point, and he was there with distinction. And later in 2009, he went off to serve the U.S. military. Unfortunately, on April 7, he made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of this country.

It is only appropriate in every way possible that we pay tribute to the young men and young women who sacrifice for us so all of us can enjoy the freedom of our country.

I am pleased, I am honored, and I am proud to join Senator Chambliss in naming this post office in Tyrone, GA, after First Lieutenant Collins, who was a member of B Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA.