Senate Resolution 58

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE BRAVERY OF MR. THOMAS HAMILL WHILE A CIVILIAN PRISONER OF WAR AND DECLARING OUR GREAT PRIDE UPON HIS ESCAPE.

WHEREAS, the United States' Military is in the process of engaging in the war against terrorism both at home and overseas, which includes hundreds of Mississippi Guardsmen and Mississippi civilians; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Hamill of Macon, Mississippi, who was abducted by a group of Islamic insurgents on April 9, 2004, when his supply convoy came under attack, was found safe by the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry of the New York National Guard, after having escaped his captors on May 2, 2004; and

WHEREAS, a civilian contractor for Halliburton Company subsidiary KBR who had undertaken the job to save his family business, Mr. Hamill's release was conditioned by his captors upon the withdrawal of United States Forces from Fallujah; and

WHEREAS, after 23 days of captivity, Mr. Hamill, remaining steadfast in his faith that he would once again see his family, pried open the doors of a locked building and ran a half mile to catch up with a passing military convoy; and

WHEREAS, during the time of his captivity, Mr. Hamill's bravery, resolve, resilience and intrepid spirit allowed him to maintain his hope and determination for freedom and provided him the strength for his daring escape; and

WHEREAS, suffering a gunshot wound to his left arm, Mr. Hamill, rather than being consumed by the dangers of capture and his own safety, remained more concerned about the health and well-being of his family: wife, Kellie; children, Thomas and Tori; parents, Leo and Phylis Hamill; and grandmother, Vera Hamill; and

WHEREAS, "Tommy Hamill is free today because of his own wits and the prayers of hundreds of thousands of his fellow Americans," Congressman Roger Wicker said. "This happy ending is a credit to his determination. Simply put, a Mississippi country boy can survive"; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature wishes to recognize and commend the bravery exhibited by Mr. Hamill, whose experience as a hostage greatly affected the emotions and evoked sympathy and spiritual unity of the many citizens of Macon and the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the bravery of Mr. Thomas Hamill while a civilian prisoner of war and declare our great pride upon his safe and daring escape, and we pray for the quick and successful conclusion of the important mission of our military and civilian personnel in Iraq and for their safe return home.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Mr. Thomas Hamill and be made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.