Yesterday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 3944, legislation sponsored by Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) to rename the United States Post Office in Mount Vernon, Georgia, after Second Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun.
Prior to passage of H.R. 3944, Congressman Allen delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, on the House floor:
"I rise today to recognize the life of an American patriot, Vietnam veteran, and amazing man who couldn’t be more deserving of having his name displayed on the U.S. Post Office in Mount Vernon, Georgia.
"Second Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun, a native of Mount Vernon, Georgia – located in the 12th District – was born on March 19, 1941.
"After graduating from Montgomery County High School in 1959, Second Lieutenant Calhoun attended the University of Georgia where he joined R.O.T.C and earned his pilot's license while finishing his junior year of college.
"That next year, Calhoun graduated and enrolled in his first year of law school at the University of Georgia where he met the love of his life, Jane Dunham, whom he later married in 1963.
"That same year, Jane and Patrick’s only child – Catherine Ruth Calhoun – was born on November 29th.
"Shortly after Catherine was born, Second Lieutenant Calhoun answered the call to serve and willingly put down his books and put on his uniform – joining the United States Army where he was first stationed at Fort Benning, now known as Fort Moore, near Columbus, Georgia.
"Later, after completing flight training in Mineral Wells, Texas, Calhoun was deployed on his first assignment in Vietnam in 1964.
"A born leader, Calhoun served as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander in South Vietnam where his helicopter was tragically shot down under hostile fire while dropping off troops in the Spring of 1965.
"Calhoun was declared Missing in Action before being declared deceased at the young age of only 24 years old.
"Lieutenant Patrick Palmer Calhoun was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievements while engaged in aerial flight.
"Known for his contagious personality, Calhoun never met a stranger and always enjoyed cutting a rug.
"I am blessed to stand here today to ensure his name lives on for years to come in his hometown of Mount Vernon, Georgia.
"I urge all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Second Lieutenant Calhoun, his entire family, and his sacrifice to the nation we call home by voting in favor of H.R. 3944."
