WHEREAS, Colonel John Betts, USAF, Ret., of Springfield, a patriotic veteran and a distinguished attorney, died on September 7, 2016; and
WHEREAS, a native of Brooklyn, New York, John Betts graduated from Syosset High School, where he ran track; he remained a skilled athlete throughout his life, running 11 marathons, including one in Athens, Greece; and
WHEREAS, John Betts earned a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in 1969, then joined the United States Air Force; he served his country for more than 30 years on active duty and in the reserves, completing tours in East Asia and Europe and attending the Industrial College of the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, John Betts continued his education at the University of Baltimore and The George Washington University, earning a law degree and a master's degree; he worked as an attorney in both private practice and for the federal government as a member of the Reagan administration; and
WHEREAS, John Betts was an active member of the Fairfax County community, offering his leadership and expertise to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the South Run Forest Homeowners Association; a student of history, he helped to teach a class on American presidents at George Mason University; and
WHEREAS, John Betts will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife of 45 years, Barbara; children, Allison and Jonathan; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Colonel John Betts, USAF, Ret., a veteran and an attorney who made many lasting contributions to the Commonwealth and the United States; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Colonel John Betts, USAF, Ret., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.