MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Carmichael, Burton, Browning, Mettetal, King, Albritton, Brown, Bryan, Butler, Chassaniol, Clarke, Davis, Dawkins, Dearing, Doxey, Fillingane, Frazier, Gollott, Jackson (15th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Kirby, Lee (47th), Little, Moffatt, Posey, Robertson, Simmons, Thomas, Tollison, Walls, White, Wilemon, Williamson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CORPORAL DUSTIN J. LEE OF QUITMAN, MISSISSIPPI, WHO WAS KILLED IN ACTION IN IRAQ ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2007, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, United States Marine Corps Corporal Dustin J. Lee, 20, of Quitman, Mississippi, the son of Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Jerome Lee and Quitman schoolteacher Rachel Lee, was killed in action on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, from a mortar attack while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces in the Al Anbar Province, in Fallujah, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Lee was assigned to the Third Recon Battalion, Battery 3rd Platoon, II Marine Expeditionary Force; and
WHEREAS, carried by a Marine Honor Guard, he returned to his family and to his community. He was buried with full military honors, and during the funeral he was awarded the Navy Cross; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Lee was an all-American boy who loved life and was very popular in his community. His friends stated that he always knew that he wanted to serve his country; and
WHEREAS, Dustin had joined the Marines after graduating from Quitman High School in 2004. His family said that he led a Christian life, was always fair and always looked for the good in people; and
WHEREAS, since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan, at least 49 soldiers or sailors with Mississippi ties have died in action; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his father, State Trooper Jerome Lee; mother, Rachel; sister, Madyson; brother, Camryn; aunts; uncles; and many close friends; and
WHEREAS, Dustin Lee was a dutiful son 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 Corporal Dustin J. Lee of Quitman, Mississippi, who was killed in action in Iraq on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, 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 Lee and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.