MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) King, Farris

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING COLONEL (RET.) KENNETH W. SMITH FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AS VETERAN OF THE YEAR BY THE CITY OF HATTIESBURG AND FOR HIS SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, Colonel (Ret.) Kenneth W. Smith was honored by the City of Hattiesburg as its Veteran of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Smith retired from the Mississippi Army National Guard after 34 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Smith served two tours of duty in Vietnam while in the Army; and

WHEREAS, while in the Army, Colonel Smith received numerous decorations and medals; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Smith was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Two OLC; Air Medal with Twenty Seven OLC; Vietnam Service Medal with Four Service Stars; and numerous other commendations; and

WHEREAS, Vietnam recognized his service by awarding him the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Smith has been tireless in his efforts to preserve our military history and to ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are recognized and remembered; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Smith was instrumental in establishing the Hattiesburg Veterans' Park and its monuments, the American Flag display at City Hall, the Veterans Memorial Drive, the 169 individual markers for Forrest County personnel killed in action and numerous other efforts to honor our military veterans; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Smith serves as Executive Director of the Pine Belt Regional Solid Waste Management Authority and serves on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Smith has served his community through his involvement and work with civic organizations, industrial development commissions, Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross and other organizations; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi to recognize the meritorious service of the citizens of this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend Colonel Kenneth W. Smith for being selected as Veteran of the Year by the City of Hattiesburg and for his dedicated service to veterans and his community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Colonel Kenneth W. Smith.