HR1784: HR1784 Veterans Support Services Awareness Day; 04/30/26; James "Jim" Dunn; lifelong service to veterans; recognize

26 LC 112 3959 House Resolution 1784 By: Representatives Kahaian of the 81st, Bonner of the 73rd, McCollum of the 30th, Byrd of the 20th, and Santos of the 117th A RESOLUTION Recognizing April 30, 2026, as Veterans Support Services Awaren ess Day and honoring1 James "Jim" Dunn for his lifelong service to veterans; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is home to hundreds of thousands of military veterans who3 have honorably served this nation and who deserve timely access to the benefits, resources,4 and support earned through their service; and5 WHEREAS, many veterans face significant barriers after leaving military service, including6 lack of awareness of available benefits, difficulty navigating complex systems, and7 challenges related to healthcare, employment, transportation, and mental health; and8 WHEREAS, James "Jim" Dunn exemplifies selfless service and life long dedication to9 veterans, having honorably served in the United States Marine C orps from 1969 to 1973,10 including overseas service with the 7th Communication Battalion and the 3rd Marine11 Amphibious Force; and12 WHEREAS, following his military service, Jim Dunn and his wife, Theresa, raised their13 family and have three beautiful children, Melanie, Marcie, and Michael, as well as five14 amazing grandchildren, Christopher, Carley, Maggie, Sydney and Charlotte; and15 H. R. 1784 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3959 WHEREAS, he devoted nearly 30 years to the automotive industry in finance and sales16 before retiring, only to continue serving his community by working an additional four years17 as a school bus driver for Henry County; and18 WHEREAS, rather than seeking rest in retirement, Jim Dunn chose to serve again,19 volunteering at the Stockbridge VA Outpatient Clinic, where he assisted veterans at the20 check-in desk and gained firsthand knowledge of the many obstac les veterans face when21 seeking care and services; and22 WHEREAS, motivated by this experience and a deep desire to do more, Jim Dunn founded23 the Henry County Veterans Support Group, where he serves as CEO and continues to24 connect veterans across Georgia with resources, guidance, and support, ensuring no veteran25 is left to navigate the system alone; and26 WHEREAS, individuals like Jim Dunn play a vital role in bridging the gap between veterans27 and the services available to them, strengthening communities a nd honoring the sacrifices28 made by Georgia's veterans and their families.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30 the members of this body recognize April 30, 2026, as Veterans Support Services Awareness31 Day and honor James "Jim" Dunn for his exemplary service to vet erans, his continued32 commitment to public service, and his unwavering dedication to ensuring veterans receive33 the help and respect they have earned.34 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized35 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to James36 "Jim" Dunn.37 H. R. 1784 - 2 -