House Resolution 117

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING BILLY MAC GORE UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AND HONORING HIS MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS SHERIFF OF CALHOUN COUNTY.

WHEREAS, Billy Mac Gore plans to retire after completing his current term as Sheriff of Calhoun County; and

WHEREAS, possessing great pride for his country and state at a young age, Mr. Gore joined the National Guard and elected to go into active service so that he could go to Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, he began serving in Vietnam in May 1968, and on May 31, 1968, his brother was tragically killed in the war, and he escorted his brother's body home before returning to Vietnam in service of his country; and

WHEREAS, having dutifully and bravely served in the Vietnam War, Mr. Gore was granted a Purple Heart medal, which is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been wounded or killed, or who has died after being wounded; and

WHEREAS, after returning from Vietnam, he began his tenure with the Mississippi State Highway Patrol in June of 1970; and

WHEREAS, deserving of numerous accolades and recognition as a highway patrolman, Mr. Gore was named 1975 Jaycee Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer, 1977 Interdepartmental Pistol Champion and 1988 Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Trooper of the Year; and

WHEREAS, having devoted 25 years of dedicated service, he retired from the Mississippi State Highway Patrol in 1995 to campaign for Sheriff of Calhoun County; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gore was elected sheriff in 1995, and his service began in January 1996, in which capacity he has honorably served since that time; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend such a courageous public servant as Sheriff Billy Mac Gore, who has brought great pride to his community, the State of Mississippi and the United States of America:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Billy Mac Gore upon the occasion of his retirement and honor his meritorious service as Sheriff of Calhoun County, and express sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Billy Mac Gore and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.