WHEREAS, Katherine Hendricks Thomas, PhD, an honorable veteran, accomplished behavioral health researcher, educator, and author, and a prominent veterans' health advocate, died on April 5, 2022; and

WHEREAS, a member of the University of Virginia Class of 2002, Katherine "Kate" Hendricks Thomas served her country with honor and distinction for several years, including a deployment to Iraq as a United States Marine Corps military police officer and a stint training young women aspiring to be marines at Parris Island; and

WHEREAS, with a heart for helping veterans, Kate Hendricks Thomas earned a doctoral degree from the University of Alabama and then embarked upon a successful career as a behavior health researcher, educator, and author; and

WHEREAS, previously an assistant professor of public health at Charleston Southern University, Kate Hendricks Thomas later taught in George Mason University's Department of Global and Community Health; and

WHEREAS, Kate Hendricks Thomas was published in leading behavioral health research journals, including Best Practices in Mental Health, the Journal of Environmental Psychology, and Military Behavioral Health, as well as by several respected newspapers, media outlets, and blogs; and

WHEREAS, Kate Hendricks Thomas authored several publications exploring behavioral health issues impacting veterans, including co-authoring the books Stopping Military Suicides: Veteran Voices to Help Prevent Deaths and Invisible Veterans: What Happens When Military Women Become Civilians Again; and

WHEREAS, Kate Hendricks Thomas was an indefatigable advocate for promoting greater awareness of veterans' health issues, even as her own health began to decline in the later years of her life; and

WHEREAS, as a result of Kate Hendricks Thomas' tireless efforts, the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments Act, or the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act, was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on June 7, 2022, expanding eligibility for Veterans Health Administration mammography screenings to certain veterans who served in certain locations during specified periods, including those who were exposed to toxic substances at such locations; and

WHEREAS, on June 15, 2022, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services recognized Kate Hendricks Thomas during the 2022 Virginia Women Veterans Summit in Richmond, posthumously awarding her the 2022 Change Maker Award; and

WHEREAS, Kate Hendricks Thomas' dedication to fostering health and wellness among veterans and in her community was also evident in her distinction as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist and her work as an experienced registered yoga teacher; and

WHEREAS, Kate Hendricks Thomas will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her loving husband, Shane; her son, Matthew; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Katherine Hendricks Thomas, PhD, a cherished member of the Northern Virginia community whose leadership and advocacy made an impact on countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Katherine Hendricks Thomas, PhD, as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.