House Concurrent Resolution 27

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING JAMES LEBARON MASHBURN, SR., FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE.

WHEREAS, James Lebaron Mashburn, Sr., was born in Chicora, Mississippi, on April 26, 1924, the fourth child of Jasper Cary Mashburn and Velma Williams; and

WHEREAS, educated in the public schools of Wayne County, Mr. Mashburn enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, graduating from the automotive department of the Armor School, before being deployed overseas to the Pacific in March 1943; and

WHEREAS, having spent thirty-one months in the Central and Western Pacific, Mr. Mashburn carried his company as its 1st Sergeant to the surrender and occupation of Japan; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Mashburn returned to the states and civilian life, becoming employed with the Forrest Product Industry before being commissioned from the ranks in 1948 by President Harry S. Truman; and

WHEREAS, called into active duty in 1951, Mr. Mashburn served with the First and Second Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, and shortly after returning to civilian life for the second time, was given command of A. Company 750th Tank Battalion Mississippi National Guard, and later served as Adjutant, S-3 for air, S-2 and Battalion Maintenance officer before retiring in 1984; and

WHEREAS, held in high esteem and lauded for his commitment and dedication to the protection of the rights and liberties due every citizen of the United States as granted in the Constitution of the United States, Mr. Mashburn has been bestowed with the honor of having received twelve Campaign and Service medals, which is inclusive of the Mississippi Magnolia Medal, and receiving a gubernatorial appointment to serve on the Military staff of Governor Paul B. Johnson from 1964-1968; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Mashburn, currently serving as deacon and trustee of First Baptist Church of Chicora, has several community and civic involvements including memberships with Chicora Lodge No. 538, where he has served in the capacity as Past Master on three occasions; charter member of the United States Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby; Wayne County Genealogy Organization; the American Legion; and the Retired Officers Association; and

WHEREAS, during his term of service which spanned four decades, Mr. Mashburn served under five presidents; and

WHEREAS, having retired from his civilian occupation as director of maintenance and supply at Hood Industries in 1986, Mr. Mashburn has enjoyed the love, companionship and support of his wife of more than fifty years, Frances Vaughn, and their three sons, James, Jr., William Thomas and Douglas Barkley, whom have all predeceased him in death; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially as evidenced by such individuals as Mr. James Mashburn, whose service to the United States, this great State of Mississippi and to the citizens of Wayne County, Mississippi, is deemed as a pinnacle of excellence:

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 Mr. James Lebaron Mashburn, Sr., for his many years of national, civic and community service and extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. James Lebaron Mashburn, Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.