Floor SpeechNeutral2025-03-27

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JIMMY LEE HOOKS, JR.

TaxesDefenseCrime & JusticeVeterans

Context

On 2025-03-27, Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JIMMY LEE HOOKS, JR." in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered defense, crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JIMMY LEE HOOKS, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E258-E259] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JIMMY LEE HOOKS, JR. ______ HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. of georgia in the house of representatives Thursday, March 27, 2025 Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and service of one of my late constituents, Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. He was a decorated war veteran; devoted husband, father and grandfather; and American hero who exemplified duty, courage, and selfless sacrifice in service to the United States of America. Sadly, Mr. Hooks passed from labor to reward on November 5, 2024, at the age of 77 in Columbus, Georgia. Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. was no stranger to hardship. After losing his mother at an early age, he developed a deep sense of resilience, family values, and an unwavering work ethic. He graduated from Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia, in 1967. Shortly thereafter, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. After enlisting, he married his high school sweetheart and beloved, lifelong partner of 54 years, Mildred Louise Hooks (Hubbard). Private First Class Hooks' courage and valor were tested on the front lines of the Vietnam War, where he served as a Rifleman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry, 23rd Infantry Division's 11th Infantry Brigade near [[Page E259]] Chu Lai. He participated in over twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory, earning numerous military commendations for his bravery and dedication, including two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, and the esteemed Air Medal. Among his many accolades, one honor stood out above the rest--the Bronze Star Medal with ``V'' for Valor. On April 24, 1971, while conducting a combat patrol near Tra Bong, his unit came under heavy enemy fire from North Vietnamese forces. In the face of imminent danger, Private First Class Hooks fearlessly rushed forward, exposing himself to intense hostile fire to provide accurate suppressive cover for his fellow soldiers. His actions were instrumental in preventing additional American casualties and securing victory in the engagement. His unwavering heroism embodied the highest traditions of military service and earned him the profound respect of his comrades and his countrymen. Following 15 years of honorable military service, Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. returned to Georgia and started a family. Together, Mr. Hooks and his wife, Mildred, raised 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 5 great- grandchildren. He also had a beloved host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved him dearly. Though he returned home safely after the Vietnam War, Mr. Hooks continued to carry with him the invisible wounds and scars that can affect veterans following combat. A devout Christian, he answered a calling to help other veterans who struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and service-related conditions by being deeply involved with Mind of Christ Ministries. He also held memberships in the Blind Veterans Association of Columbus and Disabled American Veterans, which demonstrates the strong ties he maintained within the local veteran community. Despite the adversity he faced on the battlefield and throughout his life, Mr. Hooks remained a steadfast soldier at heart, instilling within his family the values of integrity, resilience, service and character. His dedication to his country and community extended beyond his years in uniform, leaving an indelible impact on all who knew him. Truly, Mr. Hooks embodied the highest ideals of military service on and off the battlefield. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ``The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'' Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. stood tall in the face of adversity, risking his own life to protect his fellow servicemembers and defend the freedoms we cherish. Mr. Speaker, as Americans commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day this Saturday on March 29th, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me; along with the over 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd District, in honoring Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. for his bravery and his tremendous service and sacrifice on behalf of the American people; and in extending our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all those who mourn his loss. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JIMMY LEE HOOKS, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 56 (Thursday, March 27, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E258-E259] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JIMMY LEE HOOKS, JR. ______ HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. of georgia in the house of representatives Thursday, March 27, 2025 Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and service of one of my late constituents, Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. He was a decorated war veteran; devoted husband, father and grandfather; and American hero who exemplified duty, courage, and selfless sacrifice in service to the United States of America. Sadly, Mr. Hooks passed from labor to reward on November 5, 2024, at the age of 77 in Columbus, Georgia. Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. was no stranger to hardship. After losing his mother at an early age, he developed a deep sense of resilience, family values, and an unwavering work ethic. He graduated from Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia, in 1967. Shortly thereafter, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. After enlisting, he married his high school sweetheart and beloved, lifelong partner of 54 years, Mildred Louise Hooks (Hubbard). Private First Class Hooks' courage and valor were tested on the front lines of the Vietnam War, where he served as a Rifleman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry, 23rd Infantry Division's 11th Infantry Brigade near [[Page E259]] Chu Lai. He participated in over twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory, earning numerous military commendations for his bravery and dedication, including two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, and the esteemed Air Medal. Among his many accolades, one honor stood out above the rest--the Bronze Star Medal with ``V'' for Valor. On April 24, 1971, while conducting a combat patrol near Tra Bong, his unit came under heavy enemy fire from North Vietnamese forces. In the face of imminent danger, Private First Class Hooks fearlessly rushed forward, exposing himself to intense hostile fire to provide accurate suppressive cover for his fellow soldiers. His actions were instrumental in preventing additional American casualties and securing victory in the engagement. His unwavering heroism embodied the highest traditions of military service and earned him the profound respect of his comrades and his countrymen. Following 15 years of honorable military service, Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. returned to Georgia and started a family. Together, Mr. Hooks and his wife, Mildred, raised 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 5 great- grandchildren. He also had a beloved host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved him dearly. Though he returned home safely after the Vietnam War, Mr. Hooks continued to carry with him the invisible wounds and scars that can affect veterans following combat. A devout Christian, he answered a calling to help other veterans who struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and service-related conditions by being deeply involved with Mind of Christ Ministries. He also held memberships in the Blind Veterans Association of Columbus and Disabled American Veterans, which demonstrates the strong ties he maintained within the local veteran community. Despite the adversity he faced on the battlefield and throughout his life, Mr. Hooks remained a steadfast soldier at heart, instilling within his family the values of integrity, resilience, service and character. His dedication to his country and community extended beyond his years in uniform, leaving an indelible impact on all who knew him. Truly, Mr. Hooks embodied the highest ideals of military service on and off the battlefield. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ``The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'' Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. stood tall in the face of adversity, risking his own life to protect his fellow servicemembers and defend the freedoms we cherish. Mr. Speaker, as Americans commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day this Saturday on March 29th, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me; along with the over 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd District, in honoring Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. for his bravery and his tremendous service and sacrifice on behalf of the American people; and in extending our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all those who mourn his loss. ____________________