Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 297: Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements; recognize
Last action February 28, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution formally honors Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements, an Eatonton native and Army veteran, for her military service and decades of community mentorship.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements, who grew up in Eatonton, Georgia, and became the first in her family to graduate high school, attend college, and enlist in the military. It details her Army career, including her Army Commendation Medal for work during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, and her later education and volunteer service. The resolution also highlights her more than 30 years mentoring youth and her ongoing advocacy work with veterans organizations. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for her, but it does not create any new rule, funding, or requirement affecting the public.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements for her military service and community work.
- Documents her Army career and the Army Commendation Medal she received for work during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to her.
- Extends the Senate's best wishes for her continued health and happiness, with no legal or financial effect.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names and honors Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements. It does not impose duties or effects on the general public, state agencies, or other Georgians, aside from the Secretary of the Senate's task of distributing a copy.
Why it matters
This resolution has no effect on Georgia law, funding, or public policy. Its significance is symbolic: it places an official Senate record honoring one Georgian's military service and community contributions, giving her public recognition and a keepsake copy of the resolution.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses recount her military enlistment in December 1981, her Army Commendation Medal, and her post-service education and volunteer work.
- The resolution notes her 30-plus years of youth mentoring as a Girl Scout leader, coach, referee, and Junior Achievement leader.
- It cites her ongoing veterans advocacy roles, including with the National Association of Black Military Women and Disabled American Veterans.
- The resolving clause commends her and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide her a copy of the resolution.
From the bill
“she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for creating a mailroom and constructing a secure storage area for body bags during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield”
“the members of this body recognize and commend Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements for her exceptional military service, community leadership, and lifelong dedication to uplifting others”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Tonya Anderson (D, SD-43)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-17)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-34)
- Michael 'Doc' Rhett (D, SD-33)
- Ed Harbison (D, SD-15)
- Freddie Powell Sims (D, SD-12)
- Derek Mallow (D, SD-2)
- Harold Jones II (D, SD-22)
- Elena Parent (D, SD-44)
- Randal Mangham (D, SD-55)
- Chuck Payne (R, SD-54)
- Nikki Merritt (D, SD-9)
- Jason Esteves (D, SD-35)
- Sally Harrell (D, SD-40)
Topics
- veterans recognition
- Georgia Senate resolution
- military honors
- community service