MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Clarke, McMahan, Blackwell, Browning, Burton, Carmichael, Caughman, Dearing, DeBar, Doty, Frazier, Hopson, Horhn, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Kirby, Parker, Wilemon
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING U.S. NAVY COMMANDER (RETIRED) RANDY REEVES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE STATE VETERANS AFFAIRS BOARD, UPON HIS ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE DIRECTORS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (NASDVA).
WHEREAS, U.S. Navy Commander (Retired) Randy Reeves of Madison County has brought honor to his state through his service as a leader in veterans affairs. Commander Reeves currently serves as the 69th President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. He is the Executive Director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board. In this capacity, he is responsible for policy decisions and delivery of services to Mississippi's nearly 227,000 veterans. Prior to his appointment he served as Deputy Director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and Director of the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, a native of rural Mississippi, Mr. Reeves served in the United States Air Force from 1980 to 1988 as an enlisted Airman before being commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy, where he served from 1988 to 2008. Commander Reeves is a Gulf War Veteran with service during Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He retired in 2008 with 27 years of service; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Reeves is a Certified Public Manager, graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Program at Harvard University, graduate of Stennis School of Government State Executive State Executive Development Institute at Mississippi State University, earned a Masters Degree in Health Science from Touro University, a Bachelor's Degree in Management from Peru State College (Nebraska), and an Associate Degree from the Community College of the Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. He is the recipient of the 2013 Excellence in State Government Award and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) President's Award in 2013 and 2015. He received the NASDVA President's Commendation Award; and
WHEREAS, NASDVA's accomplishments under Mr. Reeves' leadership:
· Leads the single organization whose members serve and represent all of America's nearly 22 million United States Veterans;
· Represents the interests and needs of 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia on Veterans' issues;
· Leads and champions key initiatives and legislation to streamline and make operations within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) work for America's Veterans;
· Leads National Appeals Working Group (with USDVA and National Veterans Service Organizations) that developed proposed framework and legislation to modernize and streamline USDVA's Benefits Appeals system to get veterans the decisions they deserve in a reasonable time and at lower long-term costs for American taxpayers;
· Served as "point person" for work on Public Law 112-154 (70% service-connected Veterans per diem in State Veterans Nursing Homes). Personally worked with Congressional Members and staff to amend original legislative language (Cochran amendment) to allow Veterans Homes to use "provider agreements." Many State Veterans Homes would have otherwise been unable to operate; and
WHEREAS, as a combat Veteran himself, Commander Reeves knows firsthand how difficult military service can be for service members and their families. Commander Reeves is a National Veterans' Leader who should be recognized for his tireless work for Mississippi's heroes and veterans nationwide; and
WHEREAS, his legacy is a strong and free America, and for this and for a lifetime of selfless service, a grateful state thanks him and his family:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize U.S. Navy Commander (Retired) Randy Reeves, Executive Director of the State Veterans Affairs Board, upon his election as President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), and extend our thanks for his service to our state and nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Commander Reeves and his family, forwarded to the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.