MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2024 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Hall, Carpenter, Barton, Bell (21st), Boyd (19th), Byrd, Currie, Deweese, Faulkner, Foster, Gibbs (36th), Harris, Hawkins, Hines, Horan, Hulum, Karriem, Keen, Ladner, Lamar, Morgan, Nelson, Newman, Owen, Pigott, Rushing, Tubb, Tullos, Zuber
A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIVES AND LEGACIES OF CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 DEREK JOSHUA ABBOTT AND CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 BRYAN ANDREW ZEMEK, OF THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD, WHO WERE LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY WHILE CONDUCTING A ROUTINE TRAINING EXERCISE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024, AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS UPON THEIR PASSING.
WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worked for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Andrew Zemek, to rest eternally, as they made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to their families and friends; and
WHEREAS, the communities of Fulton and Oxford, Mississippi, endured the grievous loss of two wonderful friends, true public servants and decorated members of the Mississippi Army National Guard with the passing of Chief Warrant Officers Abbott and Zemek on Friday, February 23, 2024, in service to the citizens of Mississippi while conducting routine training flight as members of Aviation Support Facility 2 headquartered in Tupelo, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of those who have been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Abbott, a Fulton resident and combat veteran, born on February 14, 1982, who served in Iraq, was assigned to the Delta Company of the 2nd Battalion, 151st Lakota Medical Evacuation unit, serving as a maintenance test pilot, and is survived by his wife of 18 years, Brandi Abbott; their three children, Chandler Wood, Breanna Abbott, and Grayson Abbott; exchange students, Sarah Mirshahidi and Pauline Schult; mother, Mary (Roy) Savage; father, Danny Abbott; and brother, Danny (Christi) Abbott, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, a great Soldier and Fallen Hero who has now been released from earthly call of duty, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Abbott's awards include the Air Medal with Valor and numeral 2; Army Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with one campaign star; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters; the Combat Action Badge; the Senior Army Aviator Badge; and many other decorations and state awards; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Zemek, an Oxford resident, born in Tupelo on June 6, 1987, was assigned to the Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, serving as an AH-64 Delta Apache Standardization Instructor Pilot, and is survived by his wife of three years, Robyn Zemek; their four children, Avery Sinn, Ayden Zemek, Swayze Sinn and Logan Zemek; parents, Louis Zemek, Sr., and Sally Zemek; and brothers, Louis (Anna) Zemek, Jr., Jaime Zemek and Jason Zemek; and
WHEREAS, a great Soldier and Fallen Hero, who has now been released from earthly call of duty, Chief Warrant Officer
4 Zemek's awards include the Army Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters; the Army Achievement Medal; the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters; the Senior Army Aviator Badge; and many other decorations and state awards, including being a proud 2005 graduate of New Albany High School; and
WHEREAS, having extended themselves to persevere above and beyond the call of duty, honor and loyalty to the United States, which they so fervently held sacred throughout the performance of their duties, these two Guardsmen embodied the very best of our nation, bound by honor and committed to service within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety and way of life; and
WHEREAS, officers and a gentleman who have laid down their flags and staffs of battle to unite with the legions of Heaven's guardians, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Zemek will be sorely missed by those who experienced the depth of their love, commitment and compassion for life and pursuit of freedom for all, as they have valiantly earned their rest to go fly with the Angels, and to rest high on that mountain for their work on earth is now complete; and
WHEREAS, counted among Mississippi's heroes, committed to our national and local safety and security, the State of Mississippi shares the sentiment that to a country, a fallen officer means a national loss; to a community, a fallen officer means a true hero; to a child, spouse or parent, a fallen officer means a loved one who will not be coming home; and
WHEREAS, we encourage the families to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Chief Warrant Officer 4 Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Zemek fulfilled the purposes of their appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing their course and keeping the faith until the hour of their departure was at hand"; and
WHEREAS, Mississippians understand the costs of conflict, because we have paid homage to those we have lost in their effort to broker the armistice of peaceful resolve, and it is with great pride and humility that we recognize the heroic action of these great Americans and Mississippians, as evidenced by the life and merits of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Zemek, whose gift to this nation and state was the ultimate sacrifice of life in order that peace and prosperity abound for all citizens of the great State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and commend the life and personal sacrifice of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Andrew Zemek of the Mississippi Army National Guard, and extend deepest sympathy to their families, friends and fellow comrades in service upon their passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the families of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Andrew Zemek, the Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.