Senate Resolution 33

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING ROY GALE MARTIN FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF MISSISSIPPI, AND CONGRATULATING HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, in 1972, having just graduated from Mississippi State University, Roy Gale Martin was employed by the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission as its sole employee at that time; he was only the second employee ever hired by the commission; and

WHEREAS, Gale Martin became the first Executive Director of the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as Executive Director, the staff of the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission has increased to a total of 18 employees; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Martin's experience and expertise have enabled him to provide direction to the programs of the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission; and

WHEREAS, under the course he has steered, Mr. Martin ultimately oversaw an agency whose budget had increased to over $2,500,000 and whose state cost-share program grew to over $1,500,000; and

WHEREAS, Gale Martin has been a leading proponent and motivator of the various projects of the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts, including the Endowment Fund, Conservation Youth Camp, Tree Planting Week and the Area and Annual Membership Meetings; and

WHEREAS, he has overseen the planning and implementation of the last 31 Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meetings; and

WHEREAS, he has earned a reputation nationally for his expertise in natural resources conservation issues and has earned the respect of his peers; and

WHEREAS, he was selected by his peers to serve on the executive board and as Treasurer of several regional and national groups, including the National Association of State Conservation Agencies and the Southeastern Watershed Roundtable; and

WHEREAS, Gale Martin retired from his position with over 30 years of service to the state, having served the same agency from the time of his college graduation until he retired; and

WHEREAS, as a lifelong resident of Rankin County and a fourth generation Rankin Countian, Gale is married to Pamela J. Martin and is the proud father of three daughters: Julia Martin Blair, Jamie Martin and Katie Martin; and

WHEREAS, though there may be no real retirement possible for a farmer who lives on 1500 acres, Mr. Martin is definitely looking forward to spending more time with his family: his two eldest daughters are currently building homes on the place and his parents live only a half mile down the road; and

WHEREAS, described by his wife as a fabulous cook and multi-talented person, Gale's retirement will be filled with the activities he loves; and

WHEREAS, not content with only these pursuits in retirement, Mr. Martin has also taken on the Executive Directorship of the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, it is with real pride that we express our appreciation to this dedicated public servant for his unprecedented contribution to the conservation of natural resources in our state and nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. Roy Gale Martin for his many accomplishments and dedicated service to the State of Mississippi in seeking to preserve and enhance the natural resources of the state, and offer the best wishes of the Legislature to him and his family upon the occasion of his retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Martin and his family and to the Capitol Press Corps.