House Resolution 54

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MAJOR RANDY SPEARS AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON BEING NAMED AS A RECIPIENT OF THE 2005 MISSISSIPPI "TOP 40 UNDER 40" HONOR.

WHEREAS, Major Randy Spears, a 36-year-old Meridian, Mississippi, native and Mississippi College alumnus, was recently selected as one of Mississippi's 2005 "Top 40 Under 40" honorees; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, Major Spears joined the 186th Air Refueling Wing in Meridian as a munitions specialist, and was commissioned as the wing headquarters' financial analysis officer in November 1994, where he is responsible for multimillion dollar financial programs; and

WHEREAS, appointed to the United States Air Force Memorial Committee advisor team to assist in conceptualizing a memorial to be unveiled in Washington, D.C., in 2006, honoring the men and women of the Air Force; and

WHEREAS, one of only a select few Air National Guard personnel in the nation to graduate from the graduate level Strategy and Policy Course at the United States Naval War College, Major Spears has enjoyed a stellar military career, complete with 17 awards, decorations, certificates and letters including the National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star device and the Air Force Achievement Medal with a bronze oak leaf cluster device; and

WHEREAS, Major Spears successfully matriculated into the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base after prevailing in a highly competitive selection process in which he had to demonstrate moral character and superior academic aptitude; and

WHEREAS, currently the commercial development coordinator for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Major Spears has been instrumental in the development and implementation of several key economic development projects, including most recently a $3.5 million Elderly Activity Center; and

WHEREAS, having accomplished much in his career, Major Spears completed the University of Southern Mississippi's New South Economic Development Course, graduated from the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute, earned a conversational Spanish certificate from the Costa Rica Spanish Institute and in August 2004, was named a certified economic development finance professional by the National Development Council; and

WHEREAS, described as a leader of unquestionable integrity who is passionate regarding the quality and detail of his work, he is a member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council, the International Economic Development Council, Rotary International, and works selflessly with United Way and the "Nashoba" Toast Masters in Choctaw; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in such remarkable individuals as Major Spears, whose diligence and commitment to success is evidenced by his many accomplishments:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Major Randy Spears upon being named a recipient of the 2005 Mississippi "Top 40 Under 40" honor and extend our wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Major Randy Spears and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.