ATLANTA – State Representative John Yates (R-Griffin) recently received the Medal of Civic Honor Award from The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for his service in World War II. Rep. Yates was presented with the medal at the opening session of the 2013 NCSL Legislative Summit in Atlanta.
“I am honored to receive the Medal of Civic Honor Award from NCSL,” said Rep. Yates. “I was so proud to be recognized and stand on stage with my fellow soldiers.”
NCSL’s Civic Medal of Honor is awarded to those individuals who have by their service demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to their state and their country. Rep. Yates, along with six other legislators from across the nation, received this award for their service during World War II. Rep. Yates is one of six World War II veterans in the nation currently serving as an active state lawmaker. His story of civic duty was featured in the July/August 2013 edition of the State Legislatures magazine, along with a picture featured on the cover of the magazine from his time in the Army.
Also honored were Senators Charles Colgan of Virginia, Fred Risser of Wisconsin and John Pinto of New Mexico. Idaho Representative Frank Henderson and New York Senator William Larkin are the other World War II veterans serving in state legislatures who were recognized, but not in attendance.
Representative Yates is the only current Georgia state representative to have fought in World War II. He was elected to the House in 1988 and serves as chairman of the Veterans and Defense Committee. During his time in service, he was trained as an Army pilot. He was a captain with six Air Medals and four Battle Stars by the time he left the service.
To read Rep. Yates’ story that was featured in the State Legislatures magazine, please click here.
Representative John Yates represents the citizens of District 73, which includes portions of Fayette, Henry, and Spalding Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1992, and is currently the Chairman of the Defense & Veteran Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, and Motor Vehicles committees.
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