TRIBUTE TO JACK RUTLAND, JR.
Congressional Record Vol. 169, No. 185
(Senate - November 8, 2023) PDF
Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, it is an honor to pay tribute
to Mr. Jack Rutland, Jr., of Lincoln County, MS, who for more than 10
years has shown an inspiring dedication to sharing the stories and
memories of armed service veterans in Mississippi. By conducting radio
interviews with veterans, their experiences can be appreciated by
citizens all across Mississippi. Mr. Rutland has shown that his
appreciation and respect for the men and women who have served in our
armed forces goes beyond that of an average citizen, and America needs
more people like Jack.
Jack Rutland, Jr., was born on May 20, 1948, in Birmingham, AL, while
his father was stationed at an Air Force base there. His father, Jack
Rutland, Sr., enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to World War
II, and he served during the war for 3 years in countries like England,
North Africa, and Italy. During his World War II service, the senior
Mr. Rutland earned five battle stars. Upon the completion of the war,
he remained in the Air Force for over 20 years. Once he retired, the
family returned to Lawrence County, MS. From experiencing his father's
patriotic dedication to our Nation, Jack grew up with a sincere
reverence for the veterans who served to defend the United States of
America.
In 2003, the Military Memorial Museum in Brookhaven, MS, opened to
inform the public of local veterans and the town's service history
through artifacts, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia. The
museum is operated completely by volunteers, one of them
being Jack Rutland, Jr. On the 10-year anniversary of the Military
Memorial Museum's opening, Jack interviewed four veterans. His
interviews were captivating and respectfully executed, leading the
public to want more. Today, Jack has conducted more than 50 interviews
with veterans, some as recently as a few weeks ago. These interviews
can be heartbreaking, like the story of World War II veteran Mr. Howard
Britt who had to leave his beloved lieutenant in the field after he had
been wounded. While in enemy territory, there was no time to wait. A
story from Mr. Don Hemphill was similarly moving, detailing his arrival
on the beaches of Normandy on the evening of D-day and seeing the
wreckage of equipment left behind, as well as American soldiers who had
not made it. The scene was so harrowing that Mr. Hemphill still could
not talk about it when he was interviewed. In addition to these
poignant interviews were inspirational recollections, like Mr. Hoyte
Case who saw the iconic flag raised on Iwo Jima atop Mount Suribachi
from his ship as he left the battle. Mr. Herbert Savell recounted his
long journey home from the Pacific following the end of the war,
traveling by cattle car to return to his small hometown in the
Mississippi Delta. Walking down the aisle of the church and sitting in
the pew beside his mother was how he returned. Each interview shows
another side of the tragedies and triumphs faced by veterans.
The work that Jack has done is necessary to help younger generations
understand the commitments and sacrifices made by our Nation's
veterans. Preserving the oral histories of those who served helps us
better understand the challenging circumstances they underwent and the
emotional impacts they experienced during that time. These veterans had
immense influence on our country from their brave and selfless duty of
protecting our Nation's values and freedoms. Through the diligent work
of Jack Rutland, Jr., we can learn a bit more about the Nation we are
today from those who served in the armed forces for us.
My life has truly been enhanced by knowing Jack and his wife Shirley,
who reside in my corner of the world. They have an outstanding family
that includes their daughter Jamie, son-in-law Joshua Grosshans, and
three grandchildren: Avery Rose, Jack Seton, and Alice Faye.
In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Jack Rutland, Jr., for
dedicating his time to serving those who have served our country. I
commend him for his accomplishments, and I hope his story and the
veterans' stories he brings to light will inspire future
generations.