Bill Text: VA SJR51 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Curtis Walton.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-01-24 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ51ER) [SJR51 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-SJR51-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Curtis Walton, an esteemed attorney who greatly served his country throughout his career in public service with the United States government, died on April 8, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Walton demonstrated tremendous leadership potential from a young age, volunteering for organizations like the Making a Difference Foundation, Toys for Tots, and the Salvation Army, serving on the Portsmouth Youth Advisory Commission, and helping the community whenever he could; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Walton graduated summa cum laude from Old Dominion University with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in economics; major highlights of his university career included roles with the student body government and internships at the General Assembly with former Senator Ken Stolle and former Senator Harry Blevins; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Walton also received the Boyd Fellowship to the prestigious Thomas C. Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, after briefly working in Iraq and throughout the United States, Curtis Walton attended Liberty University, earning his juris doctor in 2012; shortly thereafter, he was admitted to the United States District Court Eastern District of Virginia and the Virginia State Bar; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Walton served his country meritoriously with various agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Department of State; and
WHEREAS, as a refugee officer, Curtis Walton traveled to multiple countries and states where he interviewed refugee and asylum applicants to determine their eligibility for immigration benefits; and
WHEREAS, at the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Curtis Walton developed, executed, and facilitated new training programs for immigration officers across the United States; and
WHEREAS, guided through his life by his faith, Curtis Walton enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Pinecrest Baptist Church in Portsmouth, where he obtained an AWANA Citation Award and with whom he attended several mission trips; and
WHEREAS, Curtis Walton Empowers is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Bayport Credit Union that is dedicated to honoring Curtis Walton's legacy by empowering others to achieve their dreams as he did throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his father, David, Curtis Walton will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his mother, Bonnie; his sister, Cheryl; 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 Curtis Walton, a respected public servant whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Curtis Walton as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
