MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2007 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) White

Senate Concurrent Resolution 589

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF UNITED STATES ARMY SERGEANT 1ST CLASS WILLIAM C. SPILLERS OF TERRY, MISSISSIPPI, WHO DIED IN IRAQ ON FEBRUARY 17, 2007, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, United States Army Sergeant 1st Class William Spillers, 39, of Terry, Mississippi, died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Saturday, February 17, 2007; and

     WHEREAS, Sergeant Spillers was a full-time soldier with the Mississippi National Guard.  He worked at the Joint Forces Headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi, and was assigned to the Jackson-based 230th Finance Detachment.  Twenty-one members of the unit were mobilized in May 2006, and arrived in Iraq in August 2006; and

     WHEREAS, carried by an Army Honor Guard, he returned to his former home and to his wife and family, and to his community.  He was buried with full military honors on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at Autumn Woods Memorial Gardens; and

     WHEREAS, according to General Harold Cross, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard, Sergeant Spillers was a model soldier, who was always attentive to his duties and had many friends in his unit; and

     WHEREAS, since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan, at least 47 soldiers or sailors with Mississippi ties have died in action; and

     WHEREAS, William Spillers was a loving husband 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 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 United States Army and Mississippi National Guard Sergeant 1st Class William C. Spillers, who died in Iraq on Saturday, February 17, 2007, 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 Sergeant Spillers and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.