House Resolution 30

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SERVICE OF AND WELCOMING MR. JAMES W. "BILL" OXFORD, NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND TO THE CITY OF GAUTIER AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 1992.

WHEREAS, Mr. James W. "Bill" Oxford, who was elected National Commander of the American Legion on August 29, 2019, during the American Legion's 101st National Convention, will be visiting the City of Gautier, Mississippi's American Legion Post 1992 on February 26, 2020; and

WHEREAS, a native of Lenoir, North Carolina, Commander Oxford, a life member and past commander of Post 29 in Lenoir, and former department (state) commander of the North Carolina American Legion from 2010 to 2011, has served at every level of the American Legion; and

WHEREAS, one who answered the call of duty to patriotic arms, Oxford joined the fraternal order of the United States Marine Corps and served this country honorably during the Vietnam War as an aviation electronic technician for the A-6 Intruder; and

WHEREAS, even after his discharge as a sergeant in 1970, a willing Oxford joined the North Carolina National Guard, which enabled him to attend officer's candidate school before transferring to the United States Army Reserve, where he ultimately retired as a colonel after more than 34 years of military service; and

WHEREAS, one who has worked since high school, with most of his career choices being in the maintenance and engineering field, Commander Oxford earned a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and multiple safety and environmental certificates; and

WHEREAS, a former mayor and council member for the City of Cajah's Mountain, North Carolina, Commander Oxford's zealous commitment for the community has served as the foundation of his service as a volunteer coach, umpire, referee and administrator in several youth athletic programs, including service as the public address announcer for the Post 29 American Legion Baseball team, and active volunteer endeavors with several organizations, including the Masonic Lodge-York Scottish Rite and the North Carolina Army Retirees Council; and

WHEREAS, through each of his endeavors, both professionally and civically, Commander Oxford has experienced the unwavering support and inspiration from his wife of 53 years, Frances, and his children Charles and Jackie, and his four grandsons, each of whom aid him in fulfilling his theme as National Commander, "A Foundation for the Future," as the organization enters its second century of service; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the contributions of such selfless and deserving individuals as Commander Oxford, in acknowledgment for his zealous commitment to this nation and the countless service of men and women who have stood and continue to stand on the frontline of defense of the protections of our liberties:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do commend the service of and welcome Mr. James W. "Bill" Oxford, National Commander of the American Legion, to the State of Mississippi and to the City of Gautier American Legion Post No. 1992.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to National Commander Mr. James W. "Bill" Oxford, the national office of the American Legion and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.