SR725: SR725 Edward Crook Jr. Gymnasium; celebrate dedication

This resolution from the Georgia Senate recognizes the February 27, 2026 dedication of the Edward Crook Jr. Gymnasium at Fort Benning. Edward 'Eddie' Crook, Jr. was a Columbus, Georgia native who won an Olympic gold medal in middleweight boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics, competing alongside teammates Muhammad Ali and Wilbur McClure. He went on to serve 30 years in the United States Army, including two tours in Vietnam, earning the rank of command sergeant major and decorations including the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star. The resolution formally states that the Senate celebrates the gymnasium's dedication and honors Crook's life of athletic achievement and military service. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Crook's family.

• Formally states that the Senate celebrates the dedication of the Edward Crook Jr. Gymnasium at Fort Benning.
• Honors the life and legacy of Edward 'Eddie' Crook, Jr., an Olympic gold medalist and Army veteran.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Crook's family.

This resolution primarily affects the family of Edward 'Eddie' Crook, Jr., the Fort Benning military community, and the Secretary of the Senate's office, which must prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution.

While the resolution carries no legal or funding changes, it provides an official, permanent record from the Georgia Senate recognizing a Columbus native's Olympic achievement and decades of military service, tied to a specific gymnasium dedication at Fort Benning.

• The whereas clauses recount Crook's 1960 Olympic gold medal in middleweight boxing and his 30 years of Army service.
• The resolution notes the February 27, 2026 dedication ceremony of the gymnasium in his honor at Fort Benning.
• The resolved clause states the Senate's celebration of the dedication and honors Crook's life.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy to Crook's family.

1. 2026-02-09Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-06Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)Primary sponsor
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Jason T. Dickerson (R, SD-021)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)

• military honors
• Fort Benning
• Olympic athletes
• Columbus Georgia
• Senate resolutions