Georgia-2009-SR100-Enrolled

WHEREAS, our nation's security continues to rely on patriotic men and women who put their personal lives on hold in order to place themselves in harm's way to protect the freedoms that all United States citizens cherish; and

WHEREAS, the United States recently lost one of its finest and most distinguished citizens in the untimely passing of Staff Sergeant Gary L. Lemonds on January 8, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Lemonds has long been recognized by the citizens of this nation for the vital role that he has played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS, a native of Social Circle, Georgia, Staff Sergeant Lemonds was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for extraordinary heroism during his service in Vietnam for which he received the Bronze Star with Valor, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and three Purple Hearts; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Lemonds demonstrated great strength, leadership, and courage in Vietnam, single-handedly charging an enemy bunker and destroying it with grenades, then going on to eliminate a hostile entrenchment system, saving the lives of countless soldiers; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Lemonds's sense of duty and service did not end on the battlefield, as he was a founding member of Post 233 American Legion Riders, founder of the Ride for America, and the organizer of and active participant in the American Legion Legacy Ride, an annual fund raiser for the education of children of fallen soldiers; and

WHEREAS, the untimely passing of this highly decorated American hero leaves an unfillable void in the hearts and lives of his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Lemonds embodied the spirit of service, willing to find meaning in something greater than himself and serving as a guardian of this nation's freedom, and it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable and distinguished American be recognized appropriately.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body express their deepest and most sincere regret at the passing of Staff Sergeant Gary L. Lemonds; commend his efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the citizens of his country; and extend to his family their most profound appreciation for all members of the United States military who stand ever ready to lay the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of Staff Sergeant Gary L. Lemonds.