A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Rudy Socha for his work with Wounded Nature-Working Veterans and to commend him for years of service protecting the coastal habitats of the State.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Rudy Socha for his work with Wounded Nature-Working Veterans; and

 

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard Master Captain, Mr. Socha founded Wounded Nature-Working Veterans, a national nonprofit with a powerful mission: to restore and protect coastal habitats through the removal of debris and abandoned vessels while engaging veterans and communities in meaningful environmental service; and

 

Whereas, under his leadership, this volunteer-driven organization has made an extraordinary impact by removing nearly two hundred fifty derelict and abandoned vessels, along with various types of marine debris from the State's coastal waterways. These were not just eyesores, they were environmental hazards contributing to microplastics, fiberglass, fuel, lead, and toxic materials seeping into our waters and threatening marine life and water quality; and

 

Whereas, under the direction of Mr. Socha, Wounded Nature also participates in oyster bed restoration, recognizing their vital role in rebuilding marine ecosystems. In 2025, the group worked alongside the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to lay over three hundred oyster beds that will stop erosion and generate over one million oysters in five years; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Socha has partnered with local law enforcement agencies, tour boat operators who transport volunteers into hard-to-reach marshes, and businesses that donate time, resources, and expertise. He also built and maintains a law enforcement mooring ball in Charleston, addressing one of the most persistent challenges in managing derelict and abandoned vessels; and

 

Whereas, he works hard to keep Wounded Nature-Working Veterans focused on making a real difference in increasing the quality and quantity of the nation's seafood stocks and coastal wildlife populations, bettering local coastal communities, and increasing tourism to the State; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Socha's work reflects a rare combination of leadership, determination, and purpose. He has turned awareness into action and action into a lasting impact, maintaining the beauty and safety of South Carolina's coastal plain for all to enjoy; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Mr. Socha has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Rudy Socha for his work with Wounded Nature-Working Veterans and commend him for years of service protecting the coastal habitats of the State.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the founder and CEO of Wounded Nature-Working Veterans, Rudy Socha.

----XX----