A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO welcome the NATIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN LEGION, DANIEL J. SEEHAFER, and to invite him to address the general assembly in joint session in the chamber of the south carolina house of representatives at 12:30 p.m. on wednesday, march 6, 2024.

Whereas, a native of Merrill, Wisconsin, Mr. Seehafer was born to parents Lester Seehafer and Jean Sabatke. He lettered in cross-country track while in high school and received a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Concordia University and a Master of Divinity at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Navy, Mr. Seehafer earned his American Legion eligibility through service in the Navy and Navy Reserve, where he served as a military chaplain. A member of American Legion Post 157 in Horicon, Wisconsin, Mr. Seehafer served in a number of American Legion offices, including National Chaplain and Commander of the Department of Wisconsin; and

Whereas, Mr. Seehafer was elected National Commander of The American Legion on August 31, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina during the 104th National Convention. For Mr. Seehafer, it is personal to serve veterans and their families. He is continuing the theme of "Be the One" to prevent veteran suicide; and

Whereas, a civic leader, Mr. Seehafer was installed as Assistant Pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon in 1997 and continues to serve as Administrative Pastor of the church and its school. His American Legion post was recognized for "100 percent" and "All-Time High" in membership during his term as commander and adjutant; and

Whereas, over the years, Mr. Seehafer has received a number of honors and awards, including the District Commander's New Post Achievement Award, the Silver Brigade, and the Post 157 Legionnaire of the Year Award; and

Whereas, in 2023, Mr. Seehafer earned an Outstanding Heroism Award for aiding a choking victim at an American Legion dinner; and

Whereas, Mr. Seehafer is married to his wife, Stacey, who is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 157, and together, they have a son, Jacob, and a daughter, Emma.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, welcome the National Commander of the American Legion, Daniel J. Seehafer, and invite him to address the General Assembly in Joint Session in the Chamber of the South Carolina House of Representatives at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Be it further resolved that the copy of this resolution be presented to Daniel J. Seehafer.

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