Senate Concurrent Resolution 546

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER CREW CHIEF JEREMIAH DIGIOVANNI OF MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI, THE 9TH MISSISSIPPI COMBAT CASUALTY IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

WHEREAS, Specialist Jeremiah DiGiovanni, 21, died in a helicopter crash in Iraq on November 15th, 2003, while serving in Mosul. He was one of two Mississippi soldiers who died in the crash. Nine Mississippians have died thus far in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS, he was a Black Hawk Helicopter Crew Chief to A Company, 4th Battalion, 101th Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He had been in Iraq since February 2003; and

WHEREAS, at a memorial service held inside Calvary Baptist Church in Pricedale, Mississippi, portraits and photo collages of the fallen soldier adorned the altar, along with a folded American flag. About 250 people, including family and friends, military and local government officials and reporters, packed the church; and

WHEREAS, a military service with full honors took place on the church grounds. Jeremiah's commanding officer, Captain John Butora, described him as a model soldier with a good work ethic and a generous heart. "It's just a sad loss," he said. "A young soldier is taken before his time. A super generous person." Butora presented Joe DiGiovanni, his father, Jeremiah's Purple Heart and Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, Jeremiah's grandfather, Edward DiGiovanni of Mandeville, Louisiana, said his grandson died defending his country. "He died doing what he wanted to do and I'm very proud of him"; and

WHEREAS, Mississippians understand the costs of conflict because we have paid them in the past, and it is with great pride and humility that we recognize the heroic action of this great American and Mississippian, who was the guardian of civilization as we know it today:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and commend the life of Black Hawk Helicopter Crew Chief Jeremiah DiGiovanni of McComb, Mississippi, who died in a helicopter crash in Iraq on November 15, 2003, and was the 9th Mississippi combat casualty in Iraq, and extend the thoughts and prayers of the Legislature to his family and our sorrow on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Specialist DiGiovanni and be forwarded to Commander in Chief of the United States Armed Forces President George W. Bush, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.