Senate Resolution 64

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING OSCAR ALLEN RINEHART FOR HIS MANY PHILANTHROPIC DEEDS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO MISSISSIPPI CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES.

WHEREAS, Oscar Allen Rinehart, a retired Major in the Mississippi Army National Guard, has helped many individuals through his business, Medical Equipment Consultants Associates, Inc., located in Byram, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a native of Lee County, Mississippi, Mr. Rinehart founded Medical Equipment Consultants Associates, Inc., in 1998, a business which specializes in the delivery and repair of clinical and personal medical needs equipment such as mobility devices; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rinehart became personally introduced to the special needs of persons with disabilities and debilitating diseases when his youngest daughter, Virginia Leigh Rinehart, was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (Limb Girdle) at the early age of seven and is currently dependent on a motorized wheelchair; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rinehart's daughter, Virginia Leigh, taught him much about the spirit of a true Mississippi fighter by honoring all people with disabilities as she served as the State Goodwill Ambassador from 1998 through 2000, and by pushing herself to graduate early from Terry High School on May 25, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rinehart has resolved to dedicate his time, energy and resources to making a positive difference in the quality of life for his daughter as well as all of those who find themselves in need of mobility devices; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rinehart's generosity is evidenced by his donation of the use of a mobility device to an employee of the Department of Finance and Administration, Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management, after learning about the needs of that employee; and

WHEREAS, because of Mr. Rinehart's act of generosity, this employee is able to continue his work for the State of Mississippi and is enjoying an increased quality of life with his family; and

WHEREAS, the philanthropy of Mr. Rinehart has touched many other lives during the course of his business, and he has found that the smiles of those whose lives he has touched to be considered full and complete payment of his services; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Rinehart is lovingly supported in all of his endeavors by his wife, Frankie Leigh Rinehart, and their children, Latricia Rinehart McCoy, Christopher Allen Rinehart, Delana Rinehart Hoffman and Virginia Leigh Rinehart; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we do hereby commend and recognize outstanding Mississippians such as Mr. Rinehart, who has dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for disabled persons:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Oscar Allen Rinehart for his many philanthropic deeds and contributions to Mississippi citizens with disabilities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Oscar Allen Rinehart and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.