MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Stevens

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. SAMUEL O. MASSEY UPON RECEIVING THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD FOR 2000.

WHEREAS, Dr. Samuel O. Massey, a native of Pelahatchie, Mississippi, was one of only nine honored by the American Association of Community Colleges, naming him a recipient of a 2000 Outstanding Alumni Award; and

WHEREAS, in 1951, Dr. Massey made his way to Holmes Community College to begin preparations for a career that would ultimately embody the great loves of his life including medical scholarships, medical mission work, a career in the Air Force that combined military medicine and sitting in the cockpit of jet fighters and the practice of medicine; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from high school at age 16, Dr. Massey joined the Air Force at 17 to become a fighter pilot, which later became a reality; and

WHEREAS, on the Goodman Campus of Holmes Community College, Dr. Massey exhibited hard work, perseverance, leadership, magnanimity and drive that have served as hallmarks of his career; and

WHEREAS, after completing his medical degree and internship, Dr. Massey combined a family and surgery practice until 1969, when he returned to college to complete a residency in otolaryngology; and

WHEREAS, in 1970, Dr. Massey joined the United States Military Reserve and returned to active duty in 1986 when given the opportunity to practice medicine and take the back seat of an F-15 fighter; and

WHEREAS, in honor of his military service, Dr. Massey was nominated for Air Force Flight Surgeon of the Year in 1986, and won the "Excalibur Award," given annually to the physician chosen as the year's outstanding Air Force Surgeon in 1993; and

WHEREAS, in the past 10 years, Dr. Massey, beyond his time and skill, has committed $1,000,000.00 to medical missionary work in the United States and abroad; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Massey supports the students of Holmes Community College not only through scholarships but by regularly meeting with them, discussing problems or offering advice; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Massey has been lovingly supported in all his endeavors by his wife, Jamie; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians such as Dr. Massey, who has given generously of his time and money to improving the quality of life for people around the world:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Samuel O. Massey upon receiving the American Association of Community Colleges Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award and extend our deepest appreciation for his contributions to Holmes Community College.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Samuel O. Massey and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.