A house RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR AND COMMEND CAPTAIN GREGORY R. "REED" KOEPP II, UNITED STATES NAVY, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE, TO EXPRESS THE DEEPEST GRATITUDE OF A GRATEFUL STATE AND COMMUNITY FOR HIS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AS COMMANDER OF JOINT BASE lINDSeY gRAHAM, FORMERLY jOINT bASE CHARLESTON, AND TO CELEBRATE HIS INSTRUMENTAL EFFORTS IN BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE MILITARY AND CIVILIAN COMMUNITIES IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives proudly recognizes exceptional military leaders who go above and beyond the call of duty to integrate military installations with their surrounding communities, foster shared growth, and enrich the quality of life for citizens of the Palmetto State; and

 

Whereas, Captain Gregory R. "Reed" Koepp II, United States Navy, served with distinction as the Commander of Naval Support Activity Charleston, Commander of the 628th Air Base Wing, and commander of the base in Charleston from June 2024 to August 2026, managing critical national defense missions while serving as an invaluable community partner; and

 

Whereas, during his command, he demonstrated outstanding foresight and leadership, strengthening vital partnerships across all military branches, partner commands, and local municipalities to ensure seamless logistical and operational support throughout the entire Charleston metropolitan area; and

 

Whereas, Captain Koepp was dedicated to bridging the gap between the local civilian population and the military members who proudly call Charleston home, working hand-in-hand with civic leaders and the mayors of Goose Creek, Hanahan, Charleston, North Charleston, Isle of Palms, and Summerville to build an enduring culture of mutual support, friendship, and shared community identity; and

 

Whereas, bringing military heritage and community celebration to the forefront, he was instrumental in organizing and bringing a spectacular, historic air show directly to Charleston harbor, providing an unforgettable public display that united thousands of military families and local residents in celebration of aviation and national service; and

 

Whereas, recognizing that regional infrastructure is critical to the daily lives of both service members and civilian residents, Captain Koepp collaborated closely with Dorchester County's leadership on vital regional initiatives, including directing crucial roadway studies on Red Bank Road to ease traffic congestion, improve transit safety, and enhance the daily commute for thousands of local families; and

 

Whereas, his dedication to state-level collaboration was marked by his active engagement with South Carolina's executive leadership, delivering key mission briefings to the Governor and testifying before the Governor's Nuclear Advisory Council, in order to provide essential strategic briefs to regional industry and governmental stakeholders; and

 

Whereas, extending his leadership into the broader federal and regional workforce, Captain Koepp served as the military president of the Charleston Federal Executive Association, where he spearheaded interagency initiatives to improve federal workforce compensation, recruitment, and retention, ensuring that the Lowcountry will remain a highly competitive, supportive environment for public servants; and

 

Whereas, Captain Koepp's highly successful command of the Charleston base serves as the crowning achievement of a stellar twenty-seven-year career of dedicated, honorable service to the United States Navy and the nation, earning him the prestigious Legion of Merit (Gold Star in lieu of the Third Award). Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and commend Captain Gregory R. "Reed" Koepp II, United States Navy, on the occasion of his retirement after twenty-seven years of exemplary service, express the deepest gratitude of a grateful State and community for his outstanding leadership as Commander of Joint Base Lindsey Graham, formerly Joint Base Charleston, and celebrate his instrumental efforts in bridging the gap between the military and civilian communities in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Captain Gregory R. "Reed" Koepp II.

----XX----