House Resolution 55

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING UNITED STATES MARINE EOD TECH, URIAH WHITTEMORE FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR STATE AND COUNTRY AS A UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TECHNICIAN AND UPON SAVING HUNDREDS OF LIVES.

WHEREAS, Uriah Whittemore who bravely serves his country as a United States Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, was an outstanding team member during Operation Enduring Freedom and went on deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and other foreign soils; and

WHEREAS, being an EOD Tech is one of the very few jobs in the Marines that is voluntary, and only the bravest of men, such as United States Marine Whittemore, have the courage to accomplish the missions that they undertake without giving up; and

WHEREAS, United States Marine Whittemore is a technical expert who deals with explosive hazards, including conventional munitions, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction and IEDs, and is capable of rendering safe explosives, analyzing post explosive events and forensics; and

WHEREAS, in the words of United States Marine Whittemore being an EOD Tech is "a high risk, high reward job," and even though there is great risk, the reward is that he gets to see first hand the lives he helps save, the impact he has on the mission and knowing that the work he does ensures that more of our soldiers come home safe; and

WHEREAS, from October 2011 to April 2012, United States Marine Whittemore responded to over 100 explosive incidents and destroyed or disarmed over 70 IEDs; and

WHEREAS, United States Marine Whittemore is the most heroic type of solider, one not worried about his own safety, but of the safety of his brothers in arms; and

WHEREAS, because of his selfless service and courage, United States Marine Whittemore was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service; and

WHEREAS, United States Marine Whittemore trains every day to stay proficient at his craft so that he will have the knowledge and skills that are required to make certain that he will be able to save more lives when called on to do so; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge outstanding brave and honorable service members such as United States Marine Uriah Whittemore whose selfless service has saved the lives of countless individuals:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend United States Marine Uriah Whittemore for his brave service as a United States Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, thank him for his work in ensuring that our service members make it home safely, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to United States Marine Uriah Whittemore, his family and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.