A HOUSE RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR ARTHUR LAWRENCE OF CHARLESTON FOR HIS DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THAT FAIR CITY AND FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF COMMITTED SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's and this great nation's citizenry. Having spent his life serving others, Arthur Lawrence of Charleston exemplifies such South Carolinians; and

Whereas, with a total of nine years of active duty and active reserve military service to his credit, Charleston native Arthur Lawrence served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 and is presently retired from the 942nd Transportation Company (TS) in Charleston. He is also retired from twenty-seven years of service as an administrator for the Department of Defense. During his years of active duty, he served as a section chief in the infantry in Vietnam, in the OCS training brigade at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and in the AGR Program (unit training NCO); and

Whereas, his community service is extensive and of long standing. He serves on the Emanuel AME Church Junior Trustee Board and Usher Board #1, as well as in the Progressive Men's Club. In addition, he serves as a member of the Humanities Foundation, Inc., Greater Charleston Empowerment Corporation Board, Charleston Chronicle Foundation, Inc., Charleston Consortium of Peninsular Neighborhood and Preservation Associations, and Charleston Neighborhood Commission; and

Whereas, he further serves through membership in numerous organizations, including the NAACP, Rainbow Push, Tri-County Black Vietnam Veterans Association, Boaz Lodge, Friends of Burke (president), Joseph A. Moore Athletic Association, Westside Neighborhood Association (president), and South Carolina Coalition for Voter Participation; and

Whereas, in recognition of his committed service, Arthur Lawrence has been granted numerous honors, including a City of Charleston proclamation, The Citadel Certification of Appreciation, Martin Luther King Jr. Picture Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Community Service Award, MOJA Community Service Award, City of Charleston Harold Koon Award, South Carolina Department of Corrections Certificate of Appreciation, City of Charleston Recreation Award, Morris Street Baptist Church Community Service Award, Mother Emanuel AME Church Father of the Year Award, NAACP J. Arthur Brown Award for Advocacy and Commitment to Justice, and Mu Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Community Service Award; and

Whereas, his many military awards include the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal With Three Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal With One Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (Hurricane Hugo, September 1989), Armed Forces Reserve Medal With Silver Hourglass Device, NCO Professional Development Ribbon With Bronze Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal With 60 Device; and

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Arthur Lawrence who use their talents and resources to serve others. 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 Arthur Lawrence of Charleston for his dedicated community service to the people of that fair city and for his many years of committed service to our country and wish him much continued success and fulfillment in the days ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Arthur Lawrence.