House Resolution 16

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND MOURNING THE LOSS OF UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BRIGADIER GENERAL SAMUEL P. MITCHELL, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on January 5, 2018, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, United States Air Force Brigadier General Samuel P. Mitchell, Jr., to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born on August 10, 1938, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Samuel P. Mitchell, Sr. and Blanche Pettigrew, General Mitchell attended military school from the sixth grade and graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy of Saint Petersburg, Florida, in June 1956; and

WHEREAS, General Mitchell earned his bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from the University of Florida, and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, where he held many elected positions during his undergraduate years, and he further attended Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, earned his master's degree in public administration from Auburn University, earned an additional master's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended Air War College where he was rated as outstanding; and

WHEREAS, being a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Program, General Mitchell received a regular commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force, commanded numerous aircraft, and served as a C-130 group deputy commander of operations, an A-10 wing deputy commander of resources, a C-130 wing vice commander and further served in a Headquarters United States Air Force staff position; and

WHEREAS, a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours in various military aircraft, including 874 hours while flying 200 combat missions in KC-135s over Vietnam, General Mitchell retired from the United States Air Force on July 17, 1996, after more than 34 years of service to our nation; and

WHEREAS, General Mitchell was very active in the Reserve Officers Association (ROA), serving in every elected position in the Chapter and State Department organizations before being elected as National President in 1989, where he served until 1990, and remained active as a Past National President of ROA after his tour of duty was completed; and

WHEREAS, in civilian life, General Mitchell was a commercial pilot for Trans World Airlines for over 30 years, and after retirement, he served as a liaison officer assisting numerous young men and women as they sought entrance to military academies, finding that mentoring youth in this capacity was very fulfilling and it gave him confidence in the future of our country; and

WHEREAS, General Mitchell accomplished many feats throughout his life, being the recipient of many awards and decorations, including: the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters; Air Force Organization Excellence Award; Combat Readiness Medal with three oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with a bronze service star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to now stand upon golden heavenly shores, the legacy of General Mitchell's selfless service and allegiance to his family and the United States will forever be etched in the hearts and memories of his loving survivors: his wife, June Mitchell; two children, Samuel P. Mitchell III (Tonya) and Leland Mitchell (Michelle); and four grandchildren, Samuel P. Mitchell IV, Tessa Mitchell, Gabriel Mitchell and Jakob Mitchell; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize great Americans such as United States Air Force Brigadier General Samuel P. Mitchell, Jr., whose steadfast commitment to his family and unwavering dedication to this great nation has brought great honor to both his family and to the United States of America:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and mourn the loss of United States Air Force Brigadier General Samuel P. Mitchell, Jr., and express deepest sympathy to his family and our sorrow on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of United States Air Force Brigadier General Samuel P. Mitchell, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.