Senate Concurrent Resolution 506

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MILITARY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND STATE AGENCY PERSONNEL OF MISSISSIPPI, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND OTHER STATES FOR PERFORMING EXEMPLARY EMERGENCY SERVICE ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST DURING THE HURRICANE KATRINA CRISIS.

WHEREAS, when Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, Florida State Troopers, Florida Search and Rescue law enforcement units, Florida Department of Transportation Advance Reconnaissance Team personnel and Florida Human Services personnel were among the first on the scene on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the Mississippi National Guard, the United States Coast Guard, United States Navy Seabees, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi local law enforcement units and Mississippi fire department emergency response units, various military, law enforcement and fire/emergency response units, conservation, transportation and human service personnel from the following sister states supported hurricane relief efforts on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and other parts of the state in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland (donated vehicles), Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia; and

WHEREAS, these military and law enforcement personnel assisted local civil authorities in preserving public and private property and enhancing the safety of citizens from Hurricane Katrina's anticipated destruction; and

WHEREAS, since the hurricane's landfall on August 29, 2005, the Mississippi National Guard has delivered over 37 million pounds of ice, 4.5 million gallons of water and almost 4 million "meals ready to go" to Mississippi residents. In addition, National Guard medical personnel have provided over 18,000 vaccinations to Gulf Coast residents. Mississippi Air National Guard has flown over 1,984 missions, delivering 2,574,425 pounds of cargo. Engineers have diligently cleared over 3,900 miles of roadways. National Guard Military Police have assisted local law enforcement by providing patrols throughout the affected area. Task Force Magnolia currently has 3,265 Mississippi soldiers and airmen on duty in various locations throughout the state, providing engineering services, medical assistance, aviation support, security missions and various other support activities; and

WHEREAS, the first role and duty of the National Guard under the federal and state Constitutions is that of a state organization to give the Governor a statewide peace officer force capable of assisting the Chief Executive of our state and other states in seeing that the laws are faithfully executed, preserving order and domestic tranquility and protecting lives and property whenever a crisis is prevalent; and

WHEREAS, soldiers, airmen, law enforcement, conservation, transportation and human service personnel from Mississippi and other states continue to demonstrate their commitment and fortitude by standing tall in the face of adversity. They have faced the most destructive hurricane in our history and responded by putting their personal lives on hold while providing comfort and assistance to Mississippians during their time of need:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the military, law enforcement, fire department and state agency personnel of the National Guard of our state, the federal government and of other states for their exemplary services, conduct and performance rendered prior to and subsequent to Hurricane Katrina's unprecedented destruction on and near the Mississippi Gulf Coast in August and September, 2005, and we thank our servicemen, the units from other states, the federal government and the generosity of the American people for their assistance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to Governor Haley Barbour, Commander-in-Chief of the Mississippi National Guard; Major General Harold Cross, Adjutant General of Mississippi; the Governor and commanding officer of each unit of the National Guard, state and local law enforcement/fire/ emergency response which furnished officers and personnel to assist the tragedy-stricken citizens of the southeastern area of Mississippi from August 29 through October, 2005; the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard; the commanding officer of the United States Navy Seabee Base in Gulfport, Mississippi; and to members of Mississippi's congressional delegation; and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.