Jack Perry Harrison, 61: Crusader for military veterans

By Rick Badie

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Until 2003, Jack Harrison had never filed a claim with the Veterans Administration even though he was an Army and Air Force veteran.

While recuperating from prostate surgery, the Woodstock man logged onto his computer and researched how to process a benefits claim. After he learned the ropes,  he started assisting other veterans.

"He knew the requirements the Veterans Administration goes by like the back of  his hand," his wife said. "I'd say he has helped with over 4,000 claims benefits over seven years."

But Mr. Harrison didn't just assist vets with paperwork, said Gil Bartman, service officer for American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta, which both men belonged to.

"Right now we have a 1980 restored Corvette that he arranged to be donated for a raffle," said Mr. Bartman, an Air Force veteran. "The proceeds will go to the Wounded Warriors Program. "God, there's are so many things he did."

A Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Harrison was exposed to Agent Orange during his tour, and he suffered various ailments because of that exposure. He was declared 100 percent disabled  in 2003, the year he started receiving benefits, his wife said.

On July 15, Jack Perry Harrison died from complications of  ischemic heart disease while in hospice care at North Fulton Hospital in Roswell. He was 61.  A funeral has been held as well as a burial with military honors at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

Born in Greenwood, S.C., Mr. Harrison enlisted in the Army in June 1968.  He served  in Vietnam as a door gunner on a Huey helicopter and a combat medic. He received an honorable discharge in June 1970.

In search of better opportunity, he joined the Air Force in 1971 and remained enlisted until 1980.

After the military, he owned and operated Jack Harrison Contracting Co. in Woodstock for several years. In retirement, he devoted his life to advocacy for veterans. He helped them get medical care for service-related injuries and ailments. He helped widows receive spousal benefits they didn't know existed.

At the legion post, Mr. Harrison developed a program that helped veterans research Web sites for their combat operations reports. He also created a program to walk them  through the paper haze.

"He realized that if somebody didn't help these veterans, they wouldn't get the help they deserved," Mr. Bartman said.

In June, Mr. Harrison was named "Legionnaire of the Year" at the annual Georgia Legion Convention held in Augusta.

"He never tired of going out of his way to help his fellow veterans, even myself," said Charles Tucker, state commander of the American Legion. "He approached the needs of every vet with the same dedication."

Additional survivors include a sister, Donna Coates of Alpharetta and a brother, John F. Harrison of Gainesville; two sons, Jackie D. Harrison of Eastonollee and Brian S. Harrison of  Toccoa.