House Resolution 14

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF SERGEANT JONATHAN WYATT LAMBERT AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, born on September 13, 1974, to Johnny W. and Rebecca D. Lambert, Sergeant Jonathan Wyatt Lambert, of Booneville, Mississippi and the United States Marine Corps, departed this life on June 1, 2003, while serving the United States in furtherance of "Operation Iraqi Freedom," causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Lambert began his tour of duty with the Marines on May 3, 1995, when he stood as a recruit on the yellow footprints of Parris Island, South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, choosing the field of communications, Sergeant Lambert attended Radio Operator School in 29 Palms, where upon completion he traveled to Okinawa, Japan, for his first Marine Corps tour as part of the Third Marine Division, establishing himself as a reliable and dedicated Marine with immense knowledge in his communication specialty; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Lambert continually sought to improve himself, attending the School Incidental Operators Course, the Basic Forward Observer Course, the Net Controllers Course, the Enhanced Positioning Location Reporting System School, the Planner and Network Managers courses, the Corporal Leadership Course, the Sergeant Non-Resident Program, the Field Radio Operations course and the Marine Combat Training course; and

WHEREAS, after an impressive tour in Okinawa, Sergeant Lambert was transferred to the Second Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where his enthusiasm and impeccable knowledge and skill at communications was paramount, as he served as a role model for all the troops he worked with; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Lambert served the Marine Corps honorably and was discharged on January 29, 1999, after which he joined the Mississippi Army National Guard where he gained some invaluable experience and displayed the same dedicated work ethic that he showed in the Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, though his services with the National Guard fared well, Sergeant Lambert's calling and roots were with the Marine Corps, and on November 28, 2000, he reenlisted with the Marine Corps as a Corporal; and

WHEREAS, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Lambert was normally hidden from view as he performed his magic with communications, but electronically he was all over the battlefield, his personal efforts and professional contributions to this cause were monumental; and

WHEREAS, a man and a Marine deeply admired by his fellow Marines, Sergeant Lambert's leadership traits and strengths were as strong as his technical wizardry, and his personal interest in the well being of his Marines was evident in the care he provided them, as well as his upbeat and positive attitude that permeated throughout the platoon during times when it was most needed; and

WHEREAS, highly decorated in service, Sergeant Lambert's awards and commendations consist of two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, two National Defense Service Medals, two Meritorious Masts, a Certificate of Commendation, two Letters of Appreciation, the Rifle Expert Badge and the Pistol Expert Badge; and

WHEREAS, a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Sergeant Lambert will be sorely missed by those who experienced the depth of his love, commitment and compassion for life and pursuit of freedom for all, but the legacy of his memory will forever be etched in the hearts and memories of his survivors, including: his wife, Betty Oswald Lambert; daughter, Kinsey Jade Lambert; parents, Johnny and Rebecca Lambert; sister, Misty Eaton; niece, Allie Eaton; and grandparents, Maylene Brown, Marie Lambert and Enis T. Brown; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence in such outstanding Mississippians as evidenced by the life and merits of Sergeant Lambert, whose gift to this state and nation was the ultimate sacrifice of life in order that others may have the opportunity to experience a life of freedom, peace and prosperity that we as citizens of the great State of Mississippi and these United States of America are privileged to share daily:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, services and accomplishments of Sergeant Jonathan Wyatt Lambert and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Sergeant Lambert's wife, Betty Lambert, his parents, Johnny and Rebecca Lambert, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.