S*1449 Concurrent Resolution, By Verdin
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND MR. TOMMY GENE POWELL OF LAURENS COUNTY FOR
 HIS DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE AS A MARINE IN VIETNAM WHERE HE SUSTAINED
 PAINFUL DISABILITIES, AND TO HONOR HIM FOR A PRODUCTIVE AND FULFILLING ADULT
 LIFE AS A SINGLE PARENT NOTWITHSTANDING THESE DISABILITIES.

   05/24/06  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-11
   05/24/06  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-93

TO COMMEND MR. TOMMY GENE POWELL OF LAURENS COUNTY FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE AS A MARINE IN VIETNAM WHERE HE SUSTAINED PAINFUL DISABILITIES, AND TO HONOR HIM FOR A PRODUCTIVE AND FULFILLING ADULT LIFE AS A SINGLE PARENT NOTWITHSTANDING THESE DISABILITIES.

Whereas, Tommy Gene Powell of Laurens County is a brave and patriotic South Carolinian. He served in the United States Marines Corps and entered basic boot camp on May 25, 1968, and graduated on July 26, 1968, at Parris Island, South Carolina. He fought in the Vietnam War from December 1968 until May 1969 at which time in the line of duty, he was wounded by a landmine; and

Whereas, he received compound fractures to both legs and had to learn how to walk again. The extent of his injuries resulted in the deterioration of knee cartilage and constant swelling in his feet and legs and due to poor circulation and arthritis; and

Whereas, his recovery was at the Naval Hospital in Charleston. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 31, 1969, but since that time his recovery has been slow and painful. It has taken years to achieve; and

Whereas, for his gallantry and service in Vietnam, he was awarded the following military commendations:

(1)    National Defense Service Medal;

(2)    Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars;

(3)    Republic of Vietnam MVC Gallantry Cross;

(4)    Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal;

(5)    Purple Heart;

(6)    Combat Action Ribbon;

(7)    Marine Corps Honorable Discharge Button;

(8)    Marine Corps Marksman Rifle Badge; and

(9)    Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; and

Whereas, despite his disability, Mr. Powell was a successful single parent of two children younger than five-years old. He raised them to adulthood without accepting any help from governmental or other sources, and they grew into productive contributing adults; and

Whereas, for life of military service and parenthood despite his disabilities, this brave and courageous South Carolinian is truly a hero to all those who know and respect him; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly would like to publicly recognize and honor Tommy Gene Powell for a wonderful and productive life that has overcome so many obstacles and for a life which serves as an example for others to follow. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly commend Mr. Tommy Gene Powell of Laurens County for his distinguished military service as a marine in Vietnam where he sustained painful disabilities, and honor him for a productive and fulfilling adult life as a single parent notwithstanding these disabilities.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Tommy Gene Powell.