MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 5th Extraordinary Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Clarke, Bailey, Barnett, Calhoun, Chism, Dedeaux, Dickson, Evans, Fredericks, Gibbs, Holland, Malone, Martinson, Mayhall, Morris, Myers, Nicholson, Norquist, Robinson (63rd), Smith (27th), Smith (39th), Smith (59th), Staples, Stevens, Thomas, Walley, Young
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DILIGENCE AND TACTICAL PLANNING OF SERGEANT MIKE STEPHENS OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE RESERVE FOR ASSISTING IN THE EVACUATION OF HOUSTON'S FLEEING EVACUEES FROM THE IMPENDING DANGERS OF HURRICANE RITA.
WHEREAS, as Hurricane Rita raged on a path of destruction, destination the southern shores of Texas, Sgt. Mike Stephens of the United States Air Force Reserve, who makes his home in Katy, Texas, had a plan to assist as many people as possible to escape the impending devastation; and
WHEREAS, this evacuation plan consisted of having previously mapped out an escape route that would not incur the inconvenience and madness of total gridlock on the state's major interstate and freeway system; and
WHEREAS, a full-time employee of United Parcel Service (UPS), Sgt. Stephens had tactically planned and prepared for the worst, mapping out the evacuation, prepared lodging for ten persons with a military tent, sleeping bags, battery powered radios, flash lights, meal and food rations to last approximately two weeks and a propane grill for the preparing of the meals; and
WHEREAS, leading a caravan of four vehicles and ten individuals, infants and seniors included, Sgt. Stephens' group was able to drive an estimated 65 miles per hour on the rural and less traveled roads of Texas to get his followers out of harms way; and
WHEREAS, the course of action taken by Sgt. Stephens allowed those in his care to make a safe and timely exit as opposed to others who were overcome by the congested thoroughfares within the state's borders in excess of twelve hours; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the diligent efforts of individuals like Sgt. Stephens, who took the initiative to help his fellowman when dangers were ever pressing upon them:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the diligent and tactical planning of Sgt. Mike Stephens of the United States Air Force Reserve for assisting in the evacuation of Houston's fleeing evacuees from the impending dangers of Hurricane Rita.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Sgt. Stephens and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.