House Concurrent Resolution 28

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND THE GALLANT SERVICE OF UNITED STATES ARMY PRIVATE SECOND CLASS WILLIAM BRANDON DAWSON OF CLARKSDALE AND TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, United States Army Private Second Class William Brandon Dawson of Clarksdale and Tunica, Mississippi, gave the ultimate pledge of allegiance to this nation with the selfless sacrifice of his life when he died on Friday, September 24, 2010, while fighting for his country and family; and

WHEREAS, on that day, his family and friends received word from the United States Army that Brandon lived out his heroic dreams when he gave his life for his country while in active duty in Kabul, Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Private Dawson's family and friends are comforted by the knowledge that he believed in his Savior Jesus Christ and that they will one day be with him again in Heaven with our Lord and Savior; and

WHEREAS, now living in eternal peace with his Heavenly Father, Private Dawson understood the importance of placing his scope on eternity and not on the things of this temporal earthly life, as seemingly prophetically evidenced by his post on facebook the day before his death, "...nothing good lasts forever."; and

WHEREAS, a 2009 graduate of Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, Mississippi, where he participated in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and spontaneously enlisted in the United States Army upon graduation, Private Dawson was an American hero, and as his brother, Joseph, stated, "He knew the military would open a lot of doors for him. He also knew the military would help take care of his family."; and

WHEREAS, after Private Dawson enlisted in the United States Army, he attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, was assigned to Anchorage, Alaska, in January 2010, and then deployed from Alaska to Afghanistan on July 6, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Private Dawson served his country with honor while in harm's way, and was quickly identified as one of the better soldiers in his platoon, which earned him some of the most difficult and dangerous assignments; and

WHEREAS, knowing the success of his unit's mission lay in his dedication and resolve, he had to gather the strength of his courage when he learned he would be driving the lead tanker in a special convoy; and

WHEREAS, not only was he known for service and sacrifice to his country, Private Dawson was known as a great brother, a tremendous role model and an outstanding leader; and

WHEREAS, 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 will not be coming home; and

WHEREAS, Private Dawson is survived by his loving parents, Willie B., Jr., and Ouita Weeden-Dawson (Elton Trezevant); three brothers, Joseph, David and Daniel; grandparents, Willie B., Sr., and Shirley Dawson, and Marilyn Williams; great-grandparents, Emma Williams and Juggie Graves; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize outstanding Mississippians such as Private Dawson who is counted among America's heroes by virtue of his commitment to our nation's safety and security, and it is with great pride and humility that we recognize the heroic sacrifice of this great American and Mississippian:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend the gallant service and the life of United States Army Private Second Class William Brandon Dawson of Clarksdale and Tunica, Mississippi, who was lost in action in Afghanistan on September 24, 2010, and extend deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Private Dawson, the United States Army and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.