WHEREAS, in 2024, Saundra Tomlinson retired after a long and distinguished career in Virginia State Parks that lasted more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Tomlinson began her career with the staff of Natural Tunnel State Park as a seasonal receptionist in 1974, three years after the park was opened to the public, and was promoted to park ranger two years later, becoming the first female ranger in the park's history; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Saundra Tomlinson spent time working in every facility and department of Natural Tunnel State Park, including the office, visitor center, chairlift, pool, cabins, Cove Ridge Center, and maintenance; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Tomlinson took particular pride in keeping the cabins and facilities clean and well-maintained, which resulted in Natural Tunnel State Park's cabins being rated at or near the top of all Virginia State Park cabins; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Tomlinson's deep knowledge of Natural Tunnel State Park allowed her to share its hidden treasures with guests and make every park visit memorable; and

WHEREAS, Saundra Tomlinson enjoyed acting as a mentor, helping younger park staffers learn and grow, and she directly supported countless rangers' careers over the decades; and

WHEREAS, at the time of her retirement, Saundra Tomlinson was not only the longest-serving park ranger in Virginia State Parks, but also the longest-tenured employee in the entire Department of Conservation and Recreation; and

WHEREAS, over the course of her five decades at Natural Tunnel State Park, Saundra Tomlinson was an invaluable asset to the park, whose unparalleled passion, commitment, and dedication will be sorely missed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Saundra Tomlinson hereby be commended on the occasion of her retirement from Virginia State Parks; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Saundra Tomlinson as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her decades of contributions to Virginia State Parks and exemplary service to park visitors.