MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2006 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Gollott, Dawkins, Hewes, Albritton, Browning, Burton, Butler, Carmichael, Chaney, Clarke, Davis, Frazier, Harden, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), King, Kirby, Lee (35th), Little, Mettetal, Michel, Morgan, Posey, Robertson, Simmons, Thames, Thomas
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS LANCE CORPORAL ROGER WAYNE DEEDS OF BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI, WHO WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN IRAQ ON NOVEMBER 16, 2005, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Roger Wayne Deeds, 24, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, a graduate of Biloxi High School, was killed in action on Wednesday, November 16, 2005, along with three other Marines while conducting combat operations during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Deeds was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, from Camp Pendleton, California, attached to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force; and
WHEREAS, carried by a Marine Honor Guard, he returned to his former home and to his wife, Sarah; daughter, Mikaleigh, and 16-month old son, Alaric; family; and to his community. He was buried on Saturday, November 26, 2005, at Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors; during the funeral he was awarded the Navy Cross; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Deeds came from a career military family; he met his wife while the two were students at Biloxi High School and were working at the Base Exchange at Keesler Air Force Base; he graduated from Biloxi High School in 2000, a member of the JROTC; and
WHEREAS, Roger decided to join the Marines in 2003; the couple was married in 2004, and Corporal Deeds was sent to Iraq for his first tour of duty in June 2004; he was injured during this first tour when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb, and he stayed in Iraq to recuperate from his wounds; and
WHEREAS, in Corporal Deeds' two years in the Marine Corps, his awards included the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan, at least 40 soldiers or sailors with Mississippi ties have died in action; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife, Sarah French Deeds; daughter, Mikaleigh; son, Alaric; his father, Scott Deeds; mother, Joyce Deeds; a sister, Gina McKnight; and many close friends; and
WHEREAS, Roger Deeds was a loving father who is counted among America's heroes, committed to our nation's safety and security. To a country, a fallen soldier means a national loss; to a community, a fallen soldier means a true hero; to a parent, a fallen soldier means a son who won't be coming home. Mississippians understand the costs of conflict, because we have paid them in the past, and it is with great pride and humility that we recognize the heroic action of this great American and Mississippian, who was the guardian of civilization as we know it today:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and commend the life of United States Marine Lance Corporal Roger Wayne Deeds of Biloxi, Mississippi, who was killed in action in Iraq on Wednesday, November 16, 2005, and extend the thoughts and prayers of the Legislature to his family and our sorrow on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Corporal Deeds and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.