House Concurrent Resolution 67

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND MOURNING THE LOSS OF UNITED STATES ARMY PRIVATE FIRST CLASS PATRICIA L. HORNE OF GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI, WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON AUGUST 24, 2012, IN BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN, AND EXTEND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, United States Army Private First Class Patricia L. Horne of Greenwood, Mississippi, was lost in the line of duty on August 24, 2012, in Bagram, Afghanistan, one month after being stationed there; and

WHEREAS, friends and colleagues say the 20-year-old Mississippian was a high-performing student who became a skilled soldier, and after Patricia joined the Army in August 2010, she spent most of her nearly three years of service stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Patricia Horne was a member of the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, and her Brigadier General, William B. Hickman, the division's Deputy Commander, said that "Horne was an exemplary soldier who embraced the Army's values of duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and courage."; and

WHEREAS, in the Army, Horne served as a Human Resource Specialist and ensured that soldiers' records were accurately maintained and updated, receiving the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal for her exceptional service; and

WHEREAS, United States Army Private First Class Patricia Horne was buried with full military honors Saturday, September 8, 2012, in Hudson Park Cemetery in her hometown of Greenwood, Mississippi, upon which the Greenwood Commonwealth reported that more than 200 people were at the Greenwood-Leflore Airport on September 6, 2012, to pay their respects when Private First Class Patricia Horne's body returned to her hometown; and

WHEREAS, Patricia Horne enjoyed serving her country as a member of one of the Army's elite units, and her mother testified that, "She was going to re-enlist. She wanted to be a doctor and the Army would fund her education."; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Carolyn McAdams said, "Patricia Horne's death is a sobering reminder of the sacrifice of men and women in uniform. You know the war is going on but when something like this happens, it hits home dramatically. Citizens need to be thankful for those who serve their country, defending freedom around the globe. My heart and my prayers go out to the family. We are most grateful for her serving."; and

WHEREAS, although originally from Opelousas, Louisiana, Private First Class Patricia Horne was a 2010 graduate of Greenwood High School, and she is survived by her mother, Betty Horne, and five siblings; and

WHEREAS, since operations began in the War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, at least 81 soldiers with Mississippi ties have died in action, and Patricia Horne was a loving daughter who is counted among America's heroes committed to our nation's safety and security; 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 daughter or sister who will not be coming home; and

WHEREAS, 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and mourn the loss of United States Army Private First Class Patricia Horne of Greenwood, Mississippi, who died in the line of duty on August 24, 2012, in Bagram, Afghanistan, one month after she was stationed there, and extend deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Private First Class Horne's family and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.