MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Lee (47th), Albritton, Browning, Butler, Carmichael, Chamberlin, Chaney, Dearing, Frazier, Gollott, King, Little, Mettetal
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING SPECIALIST ROGER "BUBBA" WALTERS OF A COMPANY, 890TH ENGINEERS OF PICAYUNE, MISSISSIPPI, FOR FABRICATING ARMOR-PLATED PANELS FOR THE SIDES OF MILITARY VEHICLES AND SAVING AMERICAN LIVES IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
WHEREAS, SPC Roger "Bubba" Walters, Jr., is currently a member of the Mississippi National Guard, A Company, 890th Engineering Battalion based out of Picayune, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, after the terrible improvised-explosive device (IED) attack on a convoy of the A Company, 890th Engineering Battalion, most of the unit felt as if they were easy prey to the insurgents in Iraq because of the vulnerability of their vehicles and the lack of body armor. They knew that another attack could come at anytime and any place. This concern was widespread throughout Iraq; and
WHEREAS, it was at this time that a Stennis Space Center employee, SPC Roger "Bubba" Walters, Jr.'s many talents responded. With very little materials and tools, Bubba fabricated a template of panels to be attached to the sides of the vehicles. The test of the first panel made from 3/8 inch steel plate proved to be insufficient after being penetrated by an AK-47 round. Bubba wanted to improve the plates, and he fabricated double panels from a thinner metal and spaced them 1 1/2 inches apart. The panels stopped the AK-47 rounds fired from 25 yards away. As a result of his success, Bubba was given permission to install the armor-plated panels on several vehicles; and
WHEREAS, these panels were so effective that the Army's 82nd Airborne Division had Bubba install panels on some of their unprotected vehicles. As to date, four of the 890th's vehicles have been hit by an IED with no serious injuries. Bubba's templates have been passed along to other units in Iraq. In addition, units in the states preparing to go overseas are having the panels installed on their vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the work of Specialist Walters has already saved several lives in Iraq and will surely save more in the future. Many soldiers in A Company, who travel daily on the deadly roads around Fallujah consider Specialist Walters a hero; and
WHEREAS, the 890th will be coming home soon, but Specialist Walters' accomplishments will be around for the remainder of the war; and
WHEREAS, it is altogether fitting and proper that we recognize the contributions of this Mississippi native son and his unit, the 890th Engineering Battalion, to the war effort and to the safety of our soldiers, as they defend the American way of life in Operation Iraqi Freedom:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Specialist Roger "Bubba" Walters of A Company, 890th Engineers of the Mississippi National Guard based in Picayune, Mississippi, for his huge contribution to the safety of his fellow soldiers in fabricating armor-plated panels for the sides of military vehicles used in Operation Iraqi Freedom and for making an impact on the war against terrorism.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Senate extends to Specialist Walters and his family best wishes for the speedy and safe return of this Mississippi hero.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Specialist Walters and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.