House Resolution 80

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND THE GALLANT SERVICE OF MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD SERGEANT FIRST CLASS BILLY ALBERT "BILL" SUTTON OF MOOREVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mississippi National Guard Sergeant First Class Billy Albert "Bill" Sutton of Mooreville, Mississippi, gave the ultimate pledge of allegiance to this nation with the selfless sacrifice of his life on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, while serving his country and family on active duty in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, having paid the definitive price of this nation's freedom and safety, Sergeant Sutton was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star from the United States Army and the Magnolia Cross from the Mississippi National Guard; and

WHEREAS, now living in eternal peace, Sergeant Sutton understood the importance of serving his country, and as his friends noted, Sergeant Sutton "was a soldier's soldier"; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Sutton enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard on September 5, 2002, and was on his third tour of duty in the Middle East when his life was taken; and

WHEREAS, serving his country as a platoon leader for the 288th Sapper Company out of Houston, Mississippi, Sergeant Sutton was an outstanding soldier, eager and willing to serve his nation, all-the-while knowing that his dedication to his country may also mean the ultimate sacrifice of his life for the values and freedoms of a liberated democracy; and

WHEREAS, to a country, a fallen soldier means a national loss; to a community, a fallen soldier means a true hero; and to a parent, a fallen soldier means a son who will not be coming home; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Sutton is survived by: his loving wife, Traci; their son, Tyler Durham; mother, Jo Ann Owens Sutton Sterling; brother, Danny; half-siblings, Vance, Aaron, Adrian, Erica and Cindy; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding citizens, such as Sergeant Sutton, who are counted among America's heroes by virtue of their 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, That we do hereby recognize and commend the gallant service and the life of Mississippi National Guard Sergeant First Class Billy Albert "Bill" Sutton of Mooreville, Mississippi, who gave his life while serving in Afghanistan on February 7, 2012, 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 Sergeant Sutton, the Mississippi National Guard and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.