SR 297: Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements; recognize

Senate Resolution 297

By: Senators Anderson of the 43rd, Davenport of the 17th, Wicks of the 34th, Rhett of the 33rd, Harbison of the 15th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United States Army, valiantly protecting and supporting her fellow Americans throughout her distinguished military career; and

WHEREAS, a native of Eatonton, Georgia, she became the first in her family to earn a high school diploma, attend and graduate from college, and enlist in the military, excelling both academically and athletically by earning three full academic and athletic scholarships before choosing to enlist in December 1981; and

WHEREAS, she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for creating a mailroom and constructing a secure storage area for body bags during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, both of which greatly increased morale within the command; and

WHEREAS, after her military service, she earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology and an Associate of Science in physical education, receiving recognition from Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges while also accumulating over 1,000 hours of volunteer service; and

WHEREAS, she has dedicated over 30 years to mentoring and youth programs as a Girl Scout leader, coach, referee, Junior Achievement leader, and developer of mentorship and physical fitness programs for at-risk youth; and

WHEREAS, she remains an active and committed advocate for veterans as Vice President and Historian of the Atlanta Metro Chapter of the National Association of Black Military Women, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a chartered member of the Women's Memorial; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements for her exceptional military service, community leadership, and lifelong dedication to uplifting others as well as extend the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements.