SR859: SR859 Edwards, Dr. Yolanda J.; recognize

26 LC 129 1265 Senate Resolution 859 By: Senators Anderson of the 43rd, Wicks of the 34th, Harbison of the 15th, Sims of the 12th, Davenport of the 17th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Dr. Yolanda J. Edwards for her outst anding leadership,1 humanitarian service, and community impact; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Dr. Yolanda J. Edwards has long been recognized by the citizens of this state3 for the vital role that she has played in leadership and her deep personal commitment to the4 welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and5 WHEREAS, she honorably served in the United States Army from Ja nuary 18, 1983, to6 November 25, 1996, and she answered the call to serve again from September 23, 2001, to7 November 30, 2007, continuing her commitment to duty, leadership, and country; and8 WHEREAS, extending her lifelong service beyond the military, Dr. Edwards founded Her9 Waters, Inc., in January 2017; and 10 WHEREAS, through this nonprofit organization, she has expanded access, skills11 development, leadership opportunities, and representation in water and outdoor spaces across12 the State of Georgia; and13 S. R. 859 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1265 WHEREAS, through inclusive, hands-on fishing and fly-fishing programs, Her Waters, Inc.,14 participants gain confidence, wellness support, mentorship, and environmental stewardship15 skills; and16 WHEREAS, the organization's signature initiative, "She Said YES to the Fly," encourages17 women, particularly women veterans and Black women, to say "yes " to fly fishing as a18 pathway to healing, leadership development, personal growth, and increased representation19 in outdoor spaces; and20 WHEREAS, this distinguished gentlewoman has given inspiration to many through her high21 ideals, morals, and deep concern for her fellow citizens, and she possesses the vast wisdom22 which only comes through experience and the strength of charact er which is achieved23 through overcoming the many challenges of life; and24 WHEREAS, she is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for25 integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and26 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this27 remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body29 recognize and commend Dr. Yolanda J. Edwards and extend the most sincere best wishes for30 continued health and happiness.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed32 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Dr. Yolanda J.33 Edwards.34 S. R. 859 - 2 -