Senate Concurrent Resolution 570

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE OF STAFF SERGEANT DALLAS RAMSEY PAULS, USAF, A NATIVE OF VANCLEAVE, MISSISSIPPI, WHO DIED ON JANUARY 7, 2016, AND WAS POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL.

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Dallas R. Pauls, 31, was a Radio Frequency Transmissions Systems Supervisor with the 609th Air Communications Squadron. He joined the Air Force in 2006 and arrived at Shaw Air Force Base in 2015. Dallas was a native of Vancleave and a 2002 graduate of Vancleave High School. He also graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, and was attending Colorado Technical University. He served in the United States Air Force for ten years and served two deployments in Afghanistan. Dallas had a passion for soccer as a player and a fan; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Pauls tragically died in a motorcycle accident near the Sumter gate of U.S. Highway 76 the morning of January 7, 2016; and

WHEREAS, "Staff Sergeant Dallas Pauls was a charismatic and amazing talented noncommissioned officer," said Colonel Stamatis Smeltz, Director of Communications for United States Central Command Air Force (USAFCENT). "His witty and dependable character shined through in every aspect of his life. He was a true wingman, mentor and leader. Through his dedication and service to others, he personified what it means to be an Airman. He will be greatly missed by the men and women of the 609th Air Communications Squadron and the USAFCENT A6 Directorate"; and

WHEREAS, the Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) was awarded posthumously to Staff Sergeant Dallas R. Pauls for Meritorious Service May 11, 2015, to January 6, 2016. The citation reads as follows: "Staff Sergeant Dallas R. Pauls distinguished himself by meritorious service as Radio Frequency Transmissions Systems Supervisor, 609th Air Communications Squadron, United States Air Force Central Command, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. During this period, Sergeant Pauls was instrumental in the sustainment of 17 United States Embassies' satellite communications, providing critical evacuation capabilities to 2,600 embassy personnel in the United States Central Command's area of responsibility. He deployed to five embassies, installed two satellite suites, and provided user training to key personnel, ultimately hardening noncombatant evacuation operation communications for 400 embassy members and families. Additionally, Sergeant Pauls drove the acquisition and deployment of two combat search and rescue base stations, sustaining command and control links for over 10,000 warfighters aiding in two lives saved. Finally, Sergeant Pauls led the test and evaluation of 84 radio nets, leading to the repair of four critical links. His efforts projected 100 total Atlantic air picture visibility to Air Mobility Command, ultimately anchoring the movement of 130,000 cargo short tons and 124,000 passengers globally. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Pauls in the dedication of his service to his country reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force"; and

WHEREAS, he is preceded in death by his grandfather, Lawrence Alfred Pauls, and Reverend Edward "Doc" Tyndall. Survivors include his mother, Stacey (Lee) Wheatley; father, Daniel (Terrie) Pauls; fianceè, Staff Sergeant Kristi Gouge; grandparents, Edna Carolyn Tyndall, William Martin, Fay Pauls, Paul and Ann Mathes, and Darrell and Marie Shows; two sisters, Jessica (Evan) Pauls and Samantha Allen; three sisters: Amber Ranew, Amber Wheatley and Megan Wheatley, a stepbrother, Dustin Alexander; and numerous nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, we join the United States Air Force in recognizing Dallas' legacy which is a strong and free America, and for this and for a lifetime of selfless service a grateful nation and state thank him and his family:

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 distinguished military service of Staff Sergeant Dallas Ramsey Pauls, USAF, a native of Vancleave, Mississippi, who died on January 7, 2016, and was posthumously awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and extend our belated sympathy to his surviving family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dallas Pauls, forwarded to the Department of the Air Force, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.