A house RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR U.S. ARMY SERGEANT FIRST CLASS (RET.) CAREY DALTON BOLT JR. ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER FOR LAURENS AND GREENWOOD COUNTIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED MILITARY AND PUBLIC SERVICE TO OUR NATION AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

 

Whereas, Carey Dalton Bolt Jr. is a seventh-generation Laurens County resident whose life has been defined by service to his country, his community, and his fellow veterans. Born into a deeply rooted military family, he is the son of Carey Dalton Bolt Sr. and Sara Louise Jenkins Bolt, who instilled in him from an early age the values of duty, honor, and dedication to country. A third-generation veteran, he carries on a proud family legacy of military service; and

 

Whereas, having spent his formative years relocating globally as a military "brat," the young Carey developed the adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness that would serve him throughout his life. Shortly after high school graduation, he followed family tradition and enlisted in the U.S. Army; and

 

Whereas, Carey Bolt served a full and decorated career in the U.S. Army, ultimately attaining the rank of sergeant, first class. His years of service took him around the world, and he met each assignment with the professionalism and commitment befitting an American soldier. Upon retiring from active duty, he returned home to Laurens County with a wealth of experience and an unwavering desire to continue serving those who had worn the uniform; and

 

Whereas, following his military retirement, he continued his commitment to public safety by serving as a Fountain Inn Police Department K9 officer. In this role, while serving his community in a new capacity, he demonstrated the same discipline and dedication that had marked his military career; and

 

Whereas, Carey Bolt's most enduring legacy is his decade of service as the veterans service officer for both Laurens and Greenwood counties, a distinction that made him the only veterans affairs officer in South Carolina to operate two county offices concurrently. In this role, he provided critical support to veterans and their families, assisting them in navigating the complexities of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, including disability compensation, healthcare, pensions, and survivor benefits; and

 

Whereas, over the course of his ten-year tenure, he and his team facilitated the delivery of $54 million in benefits to Laurens County veterans and their dependents, as well as $43 million to veterans and families in Greenwood County, a combined impact of nearly $100 million returned to those who served this nation. His dual operation also saved more than $600,000 in outgoing salary costs; and

 

Whereas, among his landmark achievements, Carey Bolt led the transformation of the old Greenwood County Library into South Carolina's only state-of-the-art Veterans Affairs Center, a facility that housed not only his staff but also the Greenwood County Military Museum, the Hall of Heroes Memorial Committee, Marines Special Operations School, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and other worthy organizations; and

 

Whereas, Carey Bolt finds his strongest support in the encouragement of his family: his lovely wife of fifty-one years, the former Laurie James, along with the couple's two delightful children and three charming grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, grateful for Carey Dalton Bolt Jr. for the example of dedication and excellence he sets for all who know him, the members of the South Carolina House trust he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead as he enters retirement. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Carey Dalton Bolt Jr. on the occasion of his retirement as veterans service officer for Laurens and Greenwood counties in South Carolina, extend deep appreciation for his many years of distinguished military and public service to our nation and the State of South Carolina, and offer best wishes for a satisfying and rewarding retirement.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Carey Dalton Bolt Jr.

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