In The News

A ceremony formally renaming the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Statesboro for the late Sgt. Maj. Ray Hendrix is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the clinic, 658 Northside Drive East.

U.S. Rep. Rick Allen, R-Georgia 12th, plans to attend a ceremony, and members of Hendrix's family are invited as guests of honor.

"Sergeant Major Ray Hendrix was an American patriot who dedicated his life in service to our nation, first by serving in the Armed Forces and later as an ardent advocate for Georgia veterans," Allen said in a media advisory announcing the ceremony. "His decades of service to our great country, his fellow veterans, and the American people have been recognized by many and will never be forgotten."

In October 2017, Allen introduced a resolution, co-sponsored by all 13 other members, Republicans and Democrats, of Georgia's delegation in the U.S. House to rename the clinic for Hendrix. After passing both the House and Senate with no opposition, the legislation was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 18, 2018.

Hendrix, a native of Bulloch County, served 42 years in the Army and National Guard, with command sergeant major being his highest rank. Through his membership in the American Legion, he also became an official advocate for veterans at the state and national levels, remaining a member of Georgia's Veterans Service Board until his death in September 2015 at age 83.

"It was an honor to introduce and shepherd this bill through the legislative process to be signed into law, and I cannot think of a more worthy man to have his service to our nation and his community honored at the top of the VA clinic in Statesboro," Allen said in the recent announcement.

By Staff Reporters