House Resolution 4

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE OF SERGEANT KYLE CLAYTON THOMAS AS A NATIONAL GUARDSMAN AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Sergeant Kyle Clayton Thomas of Amory, to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a National Guardsman from Amory, a true American patriot, Sergeant Kyle Clayton Thomas passed this life at the age of 24, during a large-scale training operation at the National Training Center in the desert of Fort Irwin, California; and

WHEREAS, often referred to as "the Golden Child," he was the youngest of three children, with two sisters who doted on him, and his parents Eddie Thomas and JoAnn Boussouar who adored him; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Thomas was motivated to protect and serve his country at a young age, and fervently pursued his passion by enlisting with the National Guard; and

WHEREAS, he was assigned to the Senatobia-based 2d Battalion, a subordinate battalion within the Tupelo-based 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, 198th Armored Regiment; and

WHEREAS, despite the risks associated with being a soldier, Sergeant Thomas proudly donned his uniform and never wavered at his decision to serve his country and put his own life on the line in order to maintain America's peace and dignity; and

WHEREAS, to continue on his legacy, he leaves a newborn daughter and two sisters; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to now stand upon the celestial shores of Heaven as the many valiant soldiers before him, the legacy of patriotism of Sergeant Kyle Clayton Thomas will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of those who knew him, while the stories of his passion for people and this country will renew his daughter's spirit; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor patriotic Mississippians, such as Sergeant Kyle Clayton Thomas, who proudly don the United States military uniform in service to this great nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the patriotic life and meritorious service of Sergeant Kyle Clayton Thomas.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Sergeant Kyle Clayton Thomas, the Mississippi National Guard and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.