MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Davis, Flowers, Albritton, Browning, Burton, Carmichael, Dawkins, Dearing, Frazier, Gordon, Hewes, Horhn, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), King, Kirby, Lee (35th), Lee (47th), Little, Mettetal, Michel, Morgan, Pickering, Posey, Thames, Tollison, White

Senate Concurrent Resolution 502

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MAJOR ROBERT DOUGLAS FERGUSON FOR HIS SUCCESSFUL COMMAND OF TROOP A, 98TH CAVALRY, MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD, WHICH WAS DEPLOYED FOR WARTIME SERVICE DURING OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

     WHEREAS, Major Robert Douglas Ferguson was selected by Brigadier General Roger L. Shields, Commander of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade, to command Troop A, 98th Cavalry, Mississippi National Guard (Hernando, Mississippi) in April 2003; and

     WHEREAS, Major Ferguson is a Hernando, Mississippi, native and 17-year National Guard veteran; and

     WHEREAS, Major Ferguson and Troop A, 98th Cavalry, deployed to Iraq in January 2005 after four months of intense combat training at Camp Shelby; and

     WHEREAS, Troop A, which is made up of 171 Mississippi National Guard soldiers from Desoto County and across the State of Mississippi, was deployed for a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in an aggressive and hostile combat zone; and

     WHEREAS, Major Ferguson is completing his fourth command, previously commanding Company D, 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor, and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor of the Mississippi Army National Guard; and

     WHEREAS, Major Ferguson also served on active duty as Coordinator of 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor's rotation to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, as well as Deployment Action Officer to National Guard Bureau, where he was instrumental in preparing the 155th Brigade Combat Team for deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

     WHEREAS, Major Ferguson has received the following military awards:  Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters; and

     WHEREAS, Major Ferguson earned the respect of his soldiers, peers and leaders, resulting in successful combat missions and humanitarian, stability and support operations; and

     WHEREAS, Ferguson, 35, has baccalaureate, master's, and Master's of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Memphis and currently serves as an educator in the Hernando school system and the University of Memphis; and

     WHEREAS, Major Ferguson always put the welfare of his soldiers first and foremost, and continually supported them throughout their tour of duty; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we note this significant event in the history of the Mississippi National Guard, and recognize this military professional who has brought honor to his unit, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Major Robert Douglas Ferguson for his successful command of the Troop A, 98th Cavalry, Mississippi National Guard, to include wartime service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Legislature on his future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Major Ferguson, forwarded to the Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.