Senate Concurrent Resolution 552

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY OF CIVIC LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF ROKTABIJA ABDUL AZEEZ UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 43 YEARS OF FEDERAL SERVICE AS MISSISSIPPI DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE.

WHEREAS, a dedicated and most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi, friend and colleague, Roktabija Abdul Azeez is retiring after 43 years of federal service with the Peace Corps Action and then as the Mississippi Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service. He has been an important advocate on behalf of Mississippi's citizens and communities; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi State Program Office of the Corporation for National and Community Service is a vital service to the citizens of our great state. While utilizing government, state programs in Mississippi like Senior Corps, Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, RSVP volunteers and AmeriCorps VISTA, more opportunities were expanded/opened for people to serve in their communities and make their communities stronger; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Office of the Corporation for National and Community Service has benefitted from his creative spirit and the value that service holds has made a difference in the lives of residents of the great State of Mississippi as well as their families and communities; and

WHEREAS, Roktabija Abdul Azeez was always willing to share his knowledge with programs from around the state and colleagues from around the nation. His extraordinary efforts to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina will always be recognized as heroic, and his office has continued to respond to every tornado, hurricane and flood in Mississippi utilizing AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members. His work is an example of tremendous leadership, tireless spirit and relentless efforts; and

WHEREAS, Roktabija Abdul Azeez leaves an enduring legacy of national service and volunteerism for our great state and it is with great pride that we join his colleagues in commending his service:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the legacy of civic leadership and dedicated service of Roktabija Abdul Azeez upon the occasion of his retirement after 43 years of federal service as Mississippi Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and extend the greetings of the Legislature on his retirement ceremony on February 8, 2018, in Jackson, Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Roktabija Abdul Azeez, forwarded to the Corporation for National and Community Service, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.