A house RESOLUTION

 

TO SALUTE WILLIAM BEARD OF DORCHESTER COUNTY FOR A LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO OUR GREAT NATION, TO CONGRATULATE HIM AT THE CELEBRATION OF HIS EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

 

Whereas, on May 25, 2025, William Beard of Dorchester County will awaken to the celebration of a milestone event: his eightieth birthday. Born on May 25, 1945, he has lived a life devoted to serving others, most remarkably as a member of the United States military, and is deserving of much praise; and

 

Whereas, as a teenager, the young William joined the United States Navy, and he was among the first advisors sent to Vietnam at the beginning of the conflict. Master Chief Beard's years of selfless service and actions during the Vietnam War, most of which were spent in Special Operations with the Navy, brought him multiple awards; and

 

Whereas, his multitude of honors for heroism and patriotism include various expeditionary medals, good service awards, meritorious commendation awards for combat in Vietnam, Navy achievement medals, and combat action ribbons, among many other recognitions; and

 

Whereas, William Beard retired as a master chief from the Navy with twenty-five years of honorable service, and though he was already a disabled veteran, he went on to work for the Department of Defense at the Navy Shipyard in North Charleston. He was medically retired from the Department of Defense after jumping to save a colleague from a falling submarine ladder. Almost killed in this incident, he spent weeks in a coma and was never supposed to wake up, speak again, or walk on his own. That was over thirty years ago for this resident of Summerville; and

 

Whereas, Master Chief William Beard (USN Ret.) is the epitome of what we in America mean when we say the word "hero." He has spent his entire life sacrificing for the nation he continues to love. And he has been proud to do so; and

 

Whereas, it is a great pleasure to celebrate this son of South Carolina on the occasion of his eightieth birthday, and it is a further pleasure to honor his many years of service to our country. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, salute William Beard of Dorchester County for a lifetime of service to our great nation, congratulate him at the celebration of his eightieth birthday, and wish him much health and happiness in the days ahead.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to William Beard.

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