Senate Concurrent Resolution 502

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF MISSISSIPPI ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SERGEANT KYLE THOMAS OF AMORY, MISSISSIPPI, WHO WAS LOST IN A TRAINING EXERCISE IN CALIFORNIA ON MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017, AND EXPRESS THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, a Mississippi Army National Guard soldier from Amory, Mississippi, was lost in a training exercise in California. Twenty-four-year-old Sergeant Kyle Thomas of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team died Monday, May 29, 2017, in an accident at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Thomas was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 198th Armored Regiment, and was among four 2-198 R soldiers conducting combat maneuver operations in a M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams Main Battle Tank; and

WHEREAS, born on December 10, 1992, in Amory, Mississippi, Sgt. Thomas is the son of Eddie Thomas and JoAnn Boussouar. On May 1, 2017, he became a father, and leaves behind a daughter, Devina Smith. His graveside service with military honors will be held in Amory on June 9, 2017. Pallbearers will be members of the Mississippi National Guard Honor Team and honorary pallbearers will include members of the Mississippi Army National Guard and the Amory High School Class of 2011; and

WHEREAS, Kyle Thomas was a loving father, husband and son who is counted among America's heroes, committed to our nation's safety and security. To a country, a fallen soldier means a national loss; to a community, a fallen soldier means a true hero; to a child, wife or parent, a fallen soldier means a father, husband or son who won't be coming home. Mississippians understand the costs of conflict, because we have paid them in the past, and 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and commend the life of Mississippi Army National Guard Sergeant Kyle Thomas of Amory, Mississippi, who was lost in a training exercise in California on Monday May 29, 2017, and extend the thoughts and prayers of the Legislature to his family and our sorrow on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Sergeant Thomas and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.