Senate Concurrent Resolution 614

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING MILITARY SERVICE OF CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 KELLY B. PIPKIN OF COLDWATER, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY ON APRIL 1, 2017.

WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kelly Bernard Pipkin is currently assigned to the 2-4 Infantry Brigade Combat Team 704th Brigade Support Battalion in Fort Carson, Colorado. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Pipkin is a native of Coldwater, Mississippi, and is retiring on April 1, 2017, following an outstanding career of combat and support service; and

WHEREAS, CW4 Pipkin entered the United States Army's Basic Training in August 1989 as a 63B Light-Wheel Vehicle Repairman. He attended Basic Training and Advance Individual Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He completed the Primary Leadership Development Course at Camp Jackson, Republic of Korea. He attended the Basic Non-Commission Officers Course at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. During his tenure as a soldier, he progressed through the ranks to Sergeant First Class, prior to his appointment to Warrant Officer; and

WHEREAS, his career assignments include: D Company 15th Eng BN 9th ID; 102nd Eng Company 199th INF BN. Fort Lewis, Washington; HHB 5/5 Air Defense Artillery BN. 2nd ID Korea; 814th Eng (AFB) Company 46th Eng BN. 199th Warrior BDE. Fort Polk, Louisiana; HHC 34th Area Support Group Korea; 24th Ordnance Company 260th Quartermaster BN. 24th CSG, Hunter Army Airfield Georgia. HHC DISCOM 2nd ID Korea; 2nd Aviation BDE 2nd Infantry Division Korea; 60th Ordnance Company 68th CSB, 43rd ASG; HHD 759th Military Police BN; 42nd Military Police BDE, FSC 4th Engineer BN 555 Engineer BDE; United States Africa (USARAF) Vicenza, Italy, 214th Fires Brigade 168th BSB, EF 5.1 ANSF Logistics Kabul, Afghanistan, and the 2-4 Infantry Brigade Combat Team 704th Brigade Support Battalion; and

WHEREAS, CW4 Pipkin's military education includes Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commission Officers Course, Warrant Officer Entry Course, the Warrant Officer Basic Course, the Warrant Officer Advance Course, the Warrant Officer Staff Course and the Warrant Officer Senior Staff Course; and

WHEREAS, CW4 Pipkin's awards and decorations include: the Meritorious Unit Commendation 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Valorous Unit Award, Bronze Star Medal 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal 4th Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal 6th Oak Leaf Cluster, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal 4th Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal 2nd Award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Korea Defense Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbons 6th Award, and Combat Action Badge; and

WHEREAS, CW4 Pipkin is currently working in the 2-4 Infantry Brigade Combat Team 704th Brigade Support Battalion. CW4 Pipkin has served in EF 5.1 ANSF Logistics ISAF/RESOLUTE SUPPORT Kabul, Afghanistan. Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti ISO OPERATION NEW DAWN, in the Horn of Africa, CW4 Pipkin served with Task Force THOR (4th EN BN) in Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. FSC 4th Engineer BN 555 Engineer BDE; HHD, 759th Military Police BN. 42nd Military Police BDE, two tours of Iraq with the 759th Military Police BN. (OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM II and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 6-8); and

WHEREAS, CW 4 Pipkin's spouse is Vicki R. Pipkin, and the couples children are Mekoe M. Watson-Rogers, Suncheyenne S.N. Pipkin, Sienna S.S. Pipkin; and

WHEREAS, CW 4 Pipkin's legacy is a strong and free America, he has maintained the security of the nation during a critical time in its history with a devotion to duty in keeping with the proud traditions of military service, and for this and a life-time of selfless service, a grateful State of Mississippi thanks him: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the outstanding military service of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kelly B. Pipkin of Coldwater, Mississippi, on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Army on April 1, 2017, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Legislature to CW4 Pipkin and his family for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to CW4 Pipkin, forwarded to the Commanding General of the United States Army and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.