MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Michel

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THOMAS H. BOWEN, JR., UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE PRESTIGIOUS 2000 MISSISSIPPI AGELESS HEROES AWARD FOR "NEW BEGINNINGS."

WHEREAS, Thomas H. Bowen, Jr., believes "as long as God provides good health, one should serve Him and His people," and so it came as no surprise when the retired Vice President of Mississippi Valley Gas accepted the presidency of the financially insolvent Chamberlain-Hunt Academy in Port Gibson in the spring of 1998; and

WHEREAS, through his vision and leadership, the future is again bright for Chamberlain-Hunt Academy, and for this achievement Tom was awarded the 2000 Mississippi Ageless Heroes Award for "New Beginnings" in January 2000; and

WHEREAS, the Ageless Heroes program was created by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to celebrate the spirit and vitality of our nation's seniors age 65 and over, and Tom and our other Ageless Heroes are nominated for the award each year by their friends, families and their communities; and

WHEREAS, a Jackson resident, Tom Bowen is a native of Port Gibson, and knew well the proud history of the Christian military school and wanted to help return the institution to its rich heritage of academic achievement and service to youth; and

WHEREAS, the commitment meant Tom would spend long hours commuting to the school from his Jackson home, but as a Korean War veteran and a retired Colonel in the Mississippi Air National Guard, Tom wanted to ensure that another generation of students would know the character-building aspects of a military education; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this accomplishment by one of our retired citizens, who reminds us all that our only limitations are the ones we impose ourselves:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Thomas H. Bowen, Jr., a Jackson resident and native of Port Gibson, Mississippi, upon his receipt of the prestigious 2000 Mississippi Ageless Heroes Award for "New Beginnings," and wish him continued success in his future charitable and civic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Tom Bowen and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.