PVA Mourns the Death of “Sonny” Montgomery,

Affectionately Known As “Mr. Veteran”

On Friday, May 12, former Mississippi representative G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery passed away in Meridian, Mississippi.  He received the nickname “Mr. Veteran” during his years in Congress because of his tireless advocacy for veterans.  He was a decorated  veteran who served in both World War II and the Korean War.  After serving in the Mississippi state legislature, he was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1966 where he served for 30 years. 

During his tenure in Congress, he championed many veterans’ benefits improvements as the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. However, none was more important that the Montgomery GI Bill, which was enacted in 1984. This legislation significantly improved the GI Bill benefits established after World War II by expanding educational benefits for servicemembers as well as making improvements to the home loan program. Just last year, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by President George W. Bush. 

PVA is deeply saddened by the loss of such a great man.  There has been no greater champion for veterans in Congress than “Sonny” Montgomery.