Bill Text: MS SC540 | 2014 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Mourn the loss of Major General Catherine Smith Lutz, Mississippi's first female Air National Guard leader.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2014-02-06 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC540 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2014-SC540-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Longwitz
Senate Concurrent Resolution 540
(As Adopted by Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE SERVICE OF MAJOR GENERAL CATHERINE SMITH LUTZ OF FLORA, MISSISSIPPI'S FIRST FEMALE AIR NATIONAL GUARD LEADER.
WHEREAS, the United States of America and the State of Mississippi is mourning the death of an active duty Hero. After over 30 years of dedicated service, Major General Catherine S. "Cathy" Lutz has passed away. The first woman to lead the Mississippi Air National Guard, Catherine Lutz, of Flora, Mississippi, was promoted to Major General in 2011. Her duties as Commander required her to direct the Air National Guard Operations and establish policy to ensure mission readiness; and
WHEREAS, Major General Cathy Lutz's beginnings were of ordinary means which paved the path to greatness. Cathy was born to Margie and Hugh Smith on August 11, 1955. Cathy enjoyed challenging herself to expand her potential in both her professional and personal life. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and Master's Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, General Lutz was employed 30 years at the Veterans Administration Hospital as a clinical nurse, supervisor, educator and compliance officer, always striving to provide quality care to veterans. Cathy's deep respect and appreciation for all who have served our great country provided momentum for her 32 years of service in the Mississippi Air National Guard. She began her military career as a 2nd Lieutenant Flight Nurse and advanced to Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the Mississippi Air National Guard; and
WHEREAS, General Lutz was the first and only federally recognized female General in the Mississippi National Guard. Cathy commanded the Air Expeditionary Medical Unit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Medical Group of the Mississippi Air National Guard. She was a graduate of Air Force Flight Nurse School, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College; and
WHEREAS, she received many honors for her service to our country, including the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements; and
WHEREAS, Cathy was married to Major General (Retired) William Lutz for 27 years, and has provided encouragement and support for his service in the military and public sector as well. Together they created the Lutz Art Farm. For the past several years, Cathy pursued her development as a visual artist. She was an active member of the Mississippi Art Colony where she served as a board member. She studied with many artists and her work has been displayed in the Mississippi Art Colony Traveling Show. Cathy's legacy is living joyfully in truth and integrity and being of service to others; and
WHEREAS, Cathy is survived by her husband William Lutz; parents, Margie Summerlin Jaap and Hugh Smith; siblings Hugh Smith Louie Smith, Tony Smith, and Joanne Jaap; nephew Jason; and nieces Grayce and Renee; and
WHEREAS, "Mississippi has lost a brave and accomplished solider by the passing of Major General Cathy Lutz," said Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. "Deborah and I ask that Mississippians join us in praying for the Lutz family during this difficult time, and we ask God's blessing on all military personnel and their families." State flags were ordered to fly at half mast in her memory on January 20, 2014. Her family requested that the PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS participate in her services. "Her dedication, strength of character and unrelenting will to improve the lives of our service members will be her lasting legacy," Adjutant General Collins, said. "She was an outstanding nurse, great airman, loving wife and a friend to all. She will be sorely missed"; and we take great pride in the fact that a woman of such character, ability and attainment as Major General Lutz possessed is numbered as one of our most loyal citizens in war and peace:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the extensive military service of Major General Catherine Smith Lutz of Flora, Mississippi's first female Air National Guard Leader, and extend the thanks of a grateful state for her service and our sympathy to her family on her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That this resolution be presented to General Lutz' surviving family, forwarded to the Adjutant General of the Mississippi Air National Guard and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
