Washington, D.C. — With the passing Friday of Chairman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery, the nation has lost a great patriot, but has gained through his life a greater example of patriotism.

Sonny Montgomery’s life is a magnificent chronicle of faithful service to the nation. He gave his country 35 years of military service that saw combat in World War II and service during the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor and the Combat Infantryman Badge, and rose to the rank of major general.

In his three decades of service in Congress, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Sonny Montgomery was a steadfast advocate of a strong national defense, a champion of American prisoners of war and our missing in action from the Vietnam War, and a friend to America’s veterans. With Chairman Montgomery’s leadership, the GI Bill was modernized, and for the first time, members of the Reserve and National Guard were eligible for education benefits. Two new generations of veterans have benefited from what we now call the Montgomery GI Bill.

Our nation is fortunate to have the service of such patriots for even the shortest of seasons; we are blessed to have had Sonny among us throughout his long and generously spent life.”