SR849: SR849 Longgrear, Colonel (Ret.) Paul; honor

26 LC 129 1240 Senate Resolution 849 By: Senators Harbison of the 15th, Jones of the 10th, Still of the 48th, Rhett of the 33rd, Anderson of the 43rd and others A RESOLUTION Honoring Colonel (Ret.) Paul Longgrear for his distinguished military service, professional1 achievements, and continued dedication to leadership and nation al security; and for other2 purposes.3 WHEREAS, Colonel (Ret.) Paul Longgrear honorably served the United States of America4 with distinction for a combined 26 years of federal service in the United States Army,5 exemplifying courage, commitment, and unwavering patriotism; and6 WHEREAS, throughout his exemplary military career, Colonel Long grear earned many7 commendations for valor and heroism, including the Silver Star, multiple Bronze Stars for8 Valor, three Purple Hearts, two awards for valor from the Government of Vietnam, and two9 achievement awards from the German Army; and10 WHEREAS, Colonel Longgrear served two combat tours in Vietnam and was stationed in11 the Middle East at the onset of the Gulf War, where he was immediately ordered back to the12 United States to support the national war effort during that critical period; and13 S. R. 849 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1240 WHEREAS, a highly trained and accomplished soldier, Colonel Longgrear is a graduate of14 the United States Army Airborne, Ranger, and Special Forces courses, as well as numerous15 advanced counterterrorism and national security programs; and16 WHEREAS, Colonel Longgrear further enhanced his strategic exper tise through17 post-graduate studies in the Department of Defense Strategies Course offered by the United18 States Army War College; and19 WHEREAS, he has served as a certified military instructor in sp ecialized operations,20 including High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and Self-Contained Underwater Breathing21 Apparatus (SCUBA) infiltration techniques, and has taught count erterrorism, models of22 leadership, and international conflict courses at the graduate level; and23 WHEREAS, the citizens of this state are deeply grateful for Col onel Longgrear's24 extraordinary record of valor, sacrifice, leadership, and lifelong dedication to service both25 in uniform and in civilian life.26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body27 commend and honor Colonel (Ret.) Paul Longgrear for his outstanding military career, his28 distinguished record of heroism and achievement, and his contin ued commitment to29 leadership, education, and the security of our nation.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed31 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Colonel (Ret.)32 Paul Longgrear.33 S. R. 849 - 2 -