Vietnam veteran and advocate laid to rest with full military honors

Soldier, veterans' advocate given full military burial
by the Cherokee Tribune staff
July 23, 2010



Jack Perry Harrison of Woodstock, known statewide for his volunteer work on behalf of veterans and their families, has died.

The 61-year-old Vietnam veteran was buried on Monday with full military honors at the Georgia National Cemetery in Sutallee. The Rev. Claude Smithmier officiated the service.

Harrison served in the Army and the Air Force. During his tour in Vietnam, he was a door gunner on a Huey helicopter and a combat medic.

Following his military service, Harrison owned and operated Jack Harrison Contracting Company.

After retiring, he devoted his life full-time to advocating for veterans and their families, ensuring veterans received medical care for their service-connected injuries and that their widows were cared for as well.

It is estimated he helped with more than 4,000 Veterans Administration claims in his seven years of advocacy work.


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Soldier veterans advocate given full military burial