SR804: SR804 Heyward, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Geneva; recognize

26 LC 129 1176 Senate Resolution 804 By: Senators Wicks of the 34th and Anderson of the 43rd A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Geneva Hey ward; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Geneva Heyward served as a guardian of this nation's3 freedom and liberty with the United States Army, valiantly and courageously protecting her4 fellow Americans for 27 years as a Communications Electronic Officer in the Signal Corps5 across both active duty and the Army Reserve; and6 WHEREAS, a native of Beaufort, South Carolina, she earned her commission as a Second7 Lieutenant upon graduation from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, beginning8 her distinguished military career in 1981; and9 WHEREAS, she completed the Signal Corps Officer Basic Course at Fort Gordon, Georgia,10 and was assigned to the United States Army Communications Electronics Command Forces11 as assigned CE Officer, where she was responsible for providing communications support12 and services both stateside and abroad; and13 S. R. 804 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1176 WHEREAS, she was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1982 and was stationed in Germany in14 1983 with the 52nd Signal Battalion, where she played a pivotal role in the successful15 European Telephone Exchange Cutover; and16 WHEREAS, after being promoted to Captain in 1985, she returned to Atlanta, Georgia, in17 1986 and transitioned to the United States Army Reserve, joining the 335th Signal Theater18 Command as a Communications Officer and Equal Opportunity Advisor; and19 WHEREAS, she was promoted to Major in 1993 while continuing her service with the 335th20 Signal Theater Command, later transferring to the 2nd Battalion , 347th Regiment, 87th21 Division at Fort Eisenhower and subsequently serving as an Equal Opportunity Advisor and22 Signal Lanes Officer-in-Charge at Fort Gillem; and23 WHEREAS, she completed Command and General Staff College in 1994 and was promoted24 to Lieutenant Colonel in 2000, joining the FORSCOM Augmentation Unit as Operations25 Team Officer-in-Charge in G6, where she ensured the successful execution of 24-hour26 communications operations at the United States Army Forces Command; and27 WHEREAS, her final assignment was with the 1st Army Headquarters at Fort Gillem, where28 she served as an Operations and Training Officer, ensuring unit s received the necessary29 training materials and preparation; and30 WHEREAS, a highly decorated veteran, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Heyward has earned31 numerous awards and decorations, including the President's Lifetime Achievement Award32 and two Meritorious Service Medals; and33 S. R. 804 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1176 WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Heyward remains actively engaged in her community34 as a charter and life member of the National Association of Black Military Women, where35 she has volunteered with NABMW's Real Women Read initiative; and36 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this37 remarkable and distinguished individual be appropriately recognized.38 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body39 recognize and commend Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Geneva Heyward for her exceptional40 career and dedicated service to her nation and extend the most sincere best wishes for41 continued health and happiness.42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed43 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Lieutenant44 Colonel (Ret.) Geneva Heyward.45 S. R. 804 - 3 -