House Resolution 39

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. THOMAS R. "PAPA" SHACK, SR., FOR BEING A RECIPIENT OF THE BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD MISSISSIPPI AGELESS HEROES AWARD FOR 2003.

WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas R. "Papa" Shack, Sr., age 72, and a resident of Florence, Mississippi, has been selected as a statewide honoree as a 2003 Mississippi Ageless Hero for his community involvement; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from a prosperous welding business, Mr. Shack, at the age of 71, returned to school and earned his GED because he wanted to set a good example for the young people he desired to work with by encouraging them to stay in school; and

WHEREAS, fulfilling his desire to work with young people, Mr. Shack, fondly known as "Papa Shack," serves as a Roving Goodwill Ambassador for the Rankin County Sheriff's Department, where he volunteers over 150 hours each month by visiting schools to talk to children about their concerns, problems and successes; and

WHEREAS, in addition to helping young people in his role as a Roving Goodwill Ambassador, Mr. Shack also assists his community by fundraising for organizations and individuals, such as raising $840.00 for the McLaurin Band, $1,500.00 to help a family whose home flooded and raising $5,000.00 for a physically disabled individual who wanted to fulfill a special wish; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Shack's generosity goes well beyond fundraising, he also spends hours checking on the well-being of those who are shut-in and elderly by visiting with them and providing assistance in various ways, such as running errands for them; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize an individual, such as Mr. Thomas R. Shack, Sr., who exhibits the very best spirit and vitality of our nation's seniors while helping his community through volunteering and inspiring others:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we commend and congratulate Mr. Thomas R. "Papa" Shack, Sr., for being a recipient of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Mississippi Ageless Heroes Award for 2003.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Thomas R. Shack, Sr., and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.