House Resolution 37

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MILITARY SERVICE OF CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER FOUR KELLY B. PIPKIN UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

WHEREAS, after almost three decades in the United States Army, Chief Warrant Officer Four Kelly B. Pipkin is bringing his career of service for our country to a close, retiring from his current position as a Senior Ordnance Maintenance Warrant Officer; and

WHEREAS, born June 9, 1969, in Coldwater, Mississippi, CW4 Pipkin attended the United States Army's Basic Training in 1989 as a 63B Light-Wheel Vehicle Repairman, and subsequently Advance Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, in addition to Army Basic Training, CW4 Pipkin completed the Primary Leadership Development Course at Camp Jackson, Republic of Korea, and attended the Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, among many other military and civilian education courses; and

WHEREAS, CW4 Pipkin's career has taken him to assignments all over the globe, including Korea, Italy, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Iraq, where he took part in important missions such as Operation Iraqi Freedom II and Operation Iraqi Freedom 6-8; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his career, CW4 Pipkin enjoyed the unwavering support of his wife, Vicki R. Pipkin, and their children, Mekoe M. Watson-Rogers, Suncheyenne S.N. Pipkin and Sienna S.S. Pipkin; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career, CW4 Pipkin has received numerous awards and decorations, including: the Meritorious Unit Commendation 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster; Valorous Unit Award; Bronze Star Medal 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal 4th Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal 6th Oak Leaf Cluster; Navy Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal 4th Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal 2nd Award; National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Korea Defense Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbons 6th Award and the Combat Action Badge; and

WHEREAS, in honor of his outstanding career with the Army, Commander and Chief and President Barack Obama presented CW4 Pipkin with a certificate of appreciation, extending the President's thanks and sincere appreciation of a grateful nation; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize those Mississippians who have sacrificed so much in the service of their country, such as CW4 Pipkin, whose dedication to his career brings great pride to his friends, family and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Chief Warrant Officer Four Kelly B. Pipkin upon the occasion of his retirement, and extend best wishes for continued success in the lighter years of his retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Chief Warrant Officer Four Kelly B. Pipkin and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.