North Carolina Rep. Walter Jones, a longtime advocate for servicemembers in Congress and a onetime Army National Guard soldier, died Sunday. He was 76.

A cause of death was not announced. Jones entered hospice care last month as his health declined after he suffered a broken hip.

Jones' district covered a portion of Eastern North Carolina that includes an estimated 70,000 veterans. He served in the North Carolina state legislature and in Congress for more than 30 years. His steadfast efforts to fight disproportionate health care fee increases on military retirees were recognized by MOAA in 2007, when he was presented the Col. Arthur T. Marix Congressional Achievement Award.

“Walter Jones wrote, sponsored, and supported countless pieces of legislation designed to strengthen our military and ensure the earned benefits of its members, past and present, and their families,” said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret). “His advocacy on their behalf - from those serving in his district to a nation of military retirees - will be missed. All of us at MOAA offer our support and our prayers to his family.”

Sad news out of N.C., as Rep. Walter B. Jones has passed. On behalf of the entire Marine Corps, I offer our deepest condolences. The Honorable Rep. Jones was a dedicated public servant for 34 years and a tireless advocate for Marines and their families. God bless him & his family

- Robert B. Neller (@GenRobertNeller) February 11, 2019

In April, MOAA's North Carolina Council of Chapters recognized Jones with a certificate of appreciation for his efforts representing thousands of currently serving troops, retirees, and veterans. Jones said he was honored that his efforts were acknowledged.

Col. Jeri Graham, USA (Ret), who serves on MOAA's board of directors, worked with Jones in her previous role as president of the North Carolina Council of Chapters during MOAA's annual Storming the Hill event. She described Jones as a force to be reckoned with, one who had a genuine respect for military members and their families.

“He always had the most sincere, heartfelt support for our servicemembers, our veterans, and their families,” Graham said. “He was one person who just always fought for what was right. He tried to make sure that not just servicemembers, but their families, were looked out for. I think everyone knew that.”

During his 14 years in federal office, Jones signed more than 11,000 condolence letters to families of fallen troops, according to reports. His first letter was sent to the family of a fallen Marine in 2003.

“I had the honor of working with my fellow North Carolinian and friend Walter Jones for 30 years," VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement. "His love for the men and women who wore the uniform knew no bounds. He was a public servant of uncommon humility and decency. A man of his stamp will be missed.”

Jones also was known as a fierce protector of the numerous military installations in his district, including Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station New River.

Jones will be sorely missed, according to a statement on the congressman's website.

“With a kind heart and the courage of his convictions, he dedicated his life to serving his Savior and to standing up for Americans who needed a voice,” according to the statement. “He was the champion for our men and women in uniform and their families, always mindful of their service and sacrifice.”

Staff writer Amanda Dolasinski can be reached at amandad@moaa.org. Follow her on Twitter @AmandaMOAA.