House Resolution 96

A RESOLUTION HONORING DR. ELTON MAC HUDDLESTON, JR., UPON BEING HONORED AS THE 2022 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT BY THE MISSISSIPPI VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, in appreciation of his wonderful service to the profession of veterinary medicine, Dr. Elton Mac Huddleston, Jr., is being honored as a recipient of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association; and

WHEREAS, born on September 16, 1943, and raised by his maternal grandparents in Holmes County, Mississippi, Dr. Huddleston watched the neighboring crop duster fly over their property and dreamed of flying, however, he never dreamed that one day, he himself would fly under much different circumstances; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Huddleston graduated with his bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University, and he then took a semester off to go home and visit his grandparents before applying to veterinary school at Auburn University, but he soon received a letter from the United States Army, inviting him to report to Ft. Sill for active duty, and after helicopter pilot training in two or three other duty stations, his final destination was Vietnam, where he was a pilot for the duration of his tour of duty; and

WHEREAS, upon his discharge, Dr. Huddleston finished his required classes, reapplied to Auburn, and successfully entered veterinary school, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1972; and

WHEREAS, while he had several opportunities to work in different places, Dr. Huddleston eventually found himself practicing in Pontotoc, Mississippi, after being wooed by the local auctioneer and the community at large, and over the next several years, he would practice in Pontotoc, Ecru, and Amory, as well as two stints as an instructor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, during this time, he was active in the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association as a representative and as president, and he was also a member of the Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as both a member and later as president, and at one time, he was the executive secretary of both boards, a position no longer attainable simultaneously; and

WHEREAS, outside of his distinguished veterinary career, one evening, Dr. Huddleston was at the Pontotoc County jail when the sheriff suggested he ride along and consider being a deputy part time, and though initially hesitant, he agreed, and on that first shift they had seven arrests with four felony arrests and he was hooked, and he later was recommended to, and completed, the investigator school for Pontotoc County, where he became an investigator; and

WHEREAS, in 2008, Dr. Huddleston began his tenure as Representative for House District 15, which encompasses Pontotoc County, and since being elected to that seat, he has tirelessly worked on behalf of the citizens of his district, and he currently serves on the following committees: Agriculture, Appropriations, Education, Military Affairs and Rules, and is Chairman of Universities and Colleges and Ethics; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Huddleston is also a member of the Pontotoc Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, Pontotoc Band Boosters, and Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association; and

WHEREAS, an inspiration to everyone who has the pleasure to meet him, Dr. Huddleston has led, and continues to lead, a life of courage, sincerity and perseverance, and is a phenomenal gentleman, grounded in integrity, who seeks to improve the lives of others through a positive example and a great work ethic; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor great Mississippians, especially those such as Dr. Huddleston, whose legacy of outstanding service brings honor to the profession of veterinary medicine and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Dr. Elton Mac Huddleston, Jr., upon being honored as a recipient of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, and express fondest respect and best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Elton Mac Huddleston, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.