TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ABRAHAM BILL JENKINS FOR HIS YEARS OF OUTSTANDING MILITARY SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AND HIS EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper that the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives should pause in their deliberations to commend veterans and community servants like Abraham Bill Jenkins; and

Whereas, Mr. Jenkins graduated from Burke Industrial High School and received a full four-year football scholarship to Alabama State College for Negroes, where he earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education in 1951; and

Whereas, he entered the United States Air Force and worked his way up from the enlisted ranks by successfully completing officers' training to became a navigator on the B-52 bomber aircraft; and

Whereas, Mr. Jenkins was stationed all over the world with the military, in such locations as Cambridge, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Chateauroux, France; Ankara, Turkey; Springfield, Massachusetts; Sacramento, California; Tempe, Arizona; Wichita Falls, Texas; and Phan Rang, Vietnam; and

Whereas, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 1962 for his meritorious service during Operation "Tree Trimmer"; and

Whereas, after twenty years of commendable service in the United States Air Force, he retired on July 20, 1971. After twenty more years of service as administrator of the Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care Corporation, he retired again on October 1, 1991; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, the late Georgetta Johnson, he reared four fine children: Abraham B. Jenkins, Jr.; Kenneth Don Jenkins; Rev. Demett E. Jenkins; and United States Army Major Brittiane Staton. They have blessed their father with the love and affection of eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and

Whereas, in addition to exemplary service in the military and employment with the Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care Corporation, Mr. Jenkins served the community with dedication as chairman of the Progressive Club of Johns Island and president of the Citizens Committee of Charleston County; on the board of directors of Rural Mission, Inc., and on the board of Project SuGAR of the Medical University of South Carolina; as a member of Sea Island Revitalization Committee, Community Organization Federal Credit Union, Our Lady of Mercy Outreach, 100 Black Men of Charleston, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; and as a lifetime member of the NAACP; and

Whereas, for his friends, family, and co-workers, he always has a winning smile and a perpetual habit of always saying yes to any request made of him; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives deeply appreciates the decades of professionalism, dedication to service, and kindness that Abraham Bill Jenkins has given to the citizens of this nation and of the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Abraham Bill Jenkins for his years of outstanding military service in the United States Air Force and his community service in the State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Abraham Bill Jenkins.