MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Mettetal, Carmichael, Moffatt, King, Albritton, Browning, Butler, Chaney, Clarke, Davis, Dawkins, Frazier, Gollott, Hewes, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), Jordan, Kirby, Lee (35th), Little, Michel, Posey, Robertson, Simmons, Thames, Thomas, Williamson

Senate Concurrent Resolution 525

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CORPORAL MICHAEL BRANDON PRESLEY OF BATESVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, WHO DIED ON DECEMBER 14, 2005, DUE TO INJURIES SUSTAINED IN ACTION IN IRAQ, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, United States Marine Corporal Michael Brandon Presley, 21, of Batesville, Mississippi, died on Wednesday, December 14, 2005, at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany from wounds sustained in a suicide-bomb blast while conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq; and

     WHEREAS, Corporal Presley was assigned to the 23rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, Kilo Company, from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, attached to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force; and

     WHEREAS, carried by a Marine Honor Guard, he returned to his former home and his community, and was buried on Thursday, December 22, 2005, at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville with full military honors; during the funeral he was awarded the Navy Cross; and

     WHEREAS, Corporal Presley was born on February 17, 1984, in Oxford, Mississippi, graduated from North Delta High School in 2002, where he played as an offensive and defensive lineman for the Green Wave and was part of the Green Wave 3A Championship Team for the Mississippi Private School Association in 2000; known as "Brandon" to his friends, he kept in touch with his teachers from the North Delta School even while he was stationed overseas, and let them know that he appreciated their work.  He had a unique connection with children and enjoyed reaching out to the youth at his school; and

     WHEREAS, while in the Marine Corps, Corporal Presley's awards included the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and

     WHEREAS, since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan, at least 41 soldiers or sailors with Mississippi ties have died in action; and

     WHEREAS, he is survived by his mother, Pam Hope Presley Cousar of New Albany, Mississippi; brother, Frasyer Colin Hawkins of New Albany, Mississippi; stepfather, Joe W. Cousar of New Albany; grandmother Mary Presley of Pope, Mississippi; and grandparents, Mitchell and Mary Frances Harmon Woods of Sardis, Mississippi; and many close friends; and

     WHEREAS, Brandon was a friend who is counted among America's heroes, committed to our nation's safety and security.  To a country, a fallen soldier means a national loss; to a community, a fallen soldier means a true hero; to a parent, a fallen soldier means a son who won't be coming home.  Mississippians understand the costs of conflict, because we have paid them in the past, and it is with 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 United States Marine Corporal Michael Brandon Presley of Batesville, Mississippi, who died on December 14, 2005, due to injuries sustained in combat operations in Iraq on December 12, 2005, 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 Corporal Presley and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.