Tribute to Major General Augustus L. Collins -- (Senate - September 06, 2016)

Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, it is an honor to pay tribute today to MG Augustus L. Collins, the adjutant general of the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. General Collins is retiring after a remarkable legacy of nearly 40 years of military service.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant appointed General Collins as adjutant general in 2012, and the readiness of Mississippi's 12,275 citizen soldiers and airmen has thrived under General Collins's strong leadership. The excellent organizational and command skills exercised by General Collins have ensured that Mississippi's National Guard forces are equipped and trained to accomplish any mission, whether responding to natural disasters at home or deployed to combat zones overseas.

General Collins enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard in March 1977. Following his enlistment, he completed State officer candidate school and was commissioned in July of 1980. As a commissioned officer, General Collins advanced quickly up the ranks and continuously trusted with new levels of responsibility. General Collins's leadership skills led to assignments in command and staff positions at every level, including company, battalion, regiment, brigade, and the adjutant general's primary staff in both a traditional and Active Guard Reserve status.

General Collins's record of military service also includes being called to Active Duty in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and commanding the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team during combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2006.

The commitment, courage and sacrifice demonstrated by General Collins is reflected in the many awards and decorations earned over his distinguished career. These honors include, but are not limited to, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Mississippi Magnolia Cross.

General Collins is a true patriot and one of the most respected leaders in Mississippi. His care and commitment for our citizen soldiers and their families is unwavering. On a personal level, I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with General Collins. His strength of character, gracious presence, and warm personality always make him a pleasure to be around.

It is an honor to commend General Collins and to express appreciation to him for a job well done. The State of Mississippi and United States of America are better because of you.