Mobile Courant

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a bill introduced by Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Guntersville, Alabama. The facility will be named in honor of Colonel Ola Lee Mize, an Alabama native and Medal of Honor recipient.

Senator Tuberville commented on the decision, stating, "Colonel Ola Lee Mize was a true patriot who embodied the American ideals of courage, selflessness, and honor. He devoted his entire life to putting country ahead of self and showed true bravery in the face of danger time and again. Alabama is proud to call him one of our own, and it is an honor to pay tribute to his legacy by naming the Guntersville VA clinic in his honor."

Senator Britt expressed her enthusiasm for the legislation's passage, saying, "I’m thrilled to see this legislation honoring an outstanding Alabamian and one our nation’s true heroes pass the Senate. Alongside every member of the Alabama delegation, I look forward to seeing this quickly signed into law." She emphasized that the renamed clinic will continue to strengthen Alabama's VA health care system.

The companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt and passed without objection in September.

Colonel Ola Lee Mize was born in Marshall County, Alabama. He earned the Medal of Honor during his service as a Sergeant with Company K of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in the Korean War. Following his service in Korea, he joined Special Forces and served three tours in Vietnam before retiring as a Colonel in 1981.

Both Senator Tuberville and Senator Britt serve on various Senate committees pertinent to veterans' affairs and other national interests.