TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND APPRECIATION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO BRANDON UPSON, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER FOR THE HOUSE MINORITY CAUCUS, FOR THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE HE HAS PROVIDED AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that Brandon Upson of Tega Cay in York County will depart from his distinguished service to the House Minority Caucus on Tuesday, March 1, 2022; and

Whereas, an eighth-generation native of South Carolina, Mr. Upson was reared in Aiken. During his time with the House Minority Caucus, he supported House Democrats with tactics and strategies to address the needs and concerns of their constituents; and

Whereas, he has worked with Democratic members in the State House to establish policy priorities and budget items and to navigate federal funds dispersed to the State during the Biden Administration; and

Whereas, in the proud tradition of sons of the Palmetto State, Mr. Upson served with distinction in the United States Army with the 14th Engineering Battalion and the 101st Airborne Division. In Iraq he served as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist and, later during Operation Iraqi Freedom, as a combat engineer, volunteering for over a hundred combat missions; and

Whereas, in 2016, he and his beloved wife, Monica, started The Unity Initiative, a project focused on building stronger relationships between communities and local law enforcement. He is the proud father of three fine children: Cossette, Sophie, and Patrick; and

Whereas, his leadership and contributions are a credit to his family, his community, our nation, and the great State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound appreciation to Brandon Upson, Chief Strategy Officer for the House Minority Caucus, for the outstanding service he has provided and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Brandon Upson.