SR823: SR823 White, Colonel Rick; recognize

26 LC 129 1242 Senate Resolution 823 By: Senators Harbison of the 15th, Orrock of the 36th, Payne of the 54th, Goodman of the 8th, Bearden of the 30th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Colonel Rick White for his extraordi nary military service,1 leadership, and continued dedication to veterans of the State o f Georgia; and for other2 purposes.3 WHEREAS, Colonel Rick White, a native of Norcross, Georgia, honorably served the United4 States of America for 31 years in the United States Army, exemplifying courage, integrity,5 and steadfast devotion to duty; and6 WHEREAS, Colonel White enlisted in the United States Army Airborne Infantry as a Private7 in 1966 and, demonstrating exceptional leadership and determination at the remarkable age8 of 19, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through Infantry Officer Candidate School9 in 1967; and10 WHEREAS, he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam for a total of 24 months of combat11 service as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Reconnaissance Platoon Le ader in the 4th Infantry12 Division and as an Airborne Infantry Company Commander in the 173rd Airborne Brigade,13 leading soldiers with distinction in some of the most challenging conditions of warfare; and14 S. R. 823 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1242 WHEREAS, over the course of his distinguished career, Colonel White commanded 13 units,15 including two brigades, two battalions, six companies, and thre e platoons encompassing16 Infantry, Special Forces, Aviation, and Recruiting units, reflecting his exceptional breadth17 of leadership and operational expertise; and18 WHEREAS, representing extraordinary bravery, skill, and commitm ent to excellence, he19 earned the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, Senior Aviator Wings,20 Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, and Master Parachutist Wings; and21 WHEREAS, following his retirement from active duty in 1997, Colonel White was inducted22 into the United States Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fa me at Fort Benning,23 Georgia; and24 WHEREAS, Colonel White continues to serve the veteran community as Board Chairman25 of the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame, ensuring that the sacrifices and achievements26 of Georgia's military heroes are properly honored and preserved; and27 WHEREAS, Colonel Rick White's life and career stand as a testam ent to patriotism,28 sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to both nation and community.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body30 recognize and commend Colonel Rick White for his extraordinary military service,31 distinguished leadership, and contributions to this state and nation.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed33 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Colonel Rick34 White.35 S. R. 823 - 2 -