MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Johnson, Fillingane, DeBar, Polk, Barnett, Blackwell, Butler (38th), Hopson, Jackson, McCaughn, Seymour
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI AIR FORCE RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS (AFROTC) DETACHMENT 432.
WHEREAS, we join the students, faculty and administration of The University of Southern Mississippi in celebrating a landmark event in the development of student military officer training on campus; and
WHEREAS, The University of Southern Mississippi established its Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program in 1969 by housing Air Force ROTC Detachment 432; and
WHEREAS, the Air Force ROTC program is designed to educate and train students to become officers in the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force while simultaneously earning their bachelor's degrees; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioning Class of 2023 culminates the University's 50th Commissioning Class, which will include five graduates: Mr. Logan Lando, Mr. Noel Parrett, Mr. Christian Rapetti, Mr. Mert Sahin and Ms. Julianna Vaughn; and
WHEREAS, Southern Miss is proud to have been a part of the journey for the 584 Air and Space Force officers that received their 2nd Lieutenant rank at AFROTC Detachment 432. Some graduates from the program have reached the military rank of General while others held specialized roles as U-2 pilots and Special Tactics Officers; and
WHEREAS, AFROTC Detachment 432 graduates represent what is extraordinary about Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi....Southern Mississippi To The Top!; and
WHEREAS, AFROTC Detachment 432 is led by Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sheena Puleali'i. Its First Commissioning Class: May 1973; Total Commissioned Officers: 584; Total Cadets (current): 31; and Class of 2023: 5; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippi higher education program whose mission is training officers for a strong and free America:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The University of Southern Mississippi Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 432, and extend to these ROTC students and instructors our best wishes for success after commissioning activities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to AFROTC Detachment 432 Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sheena Puleali'i and USM President Dr. Joseph S. Paul, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.