WHEREAS, Lieutenant Commander Wendell E. Parker, USN, Ret., has greatly served his community as Boys State program coordinator for The American Legion Post 110 in Virginia Beach for the past 12 years; and
WHEREAS, a member of the United States Navy for 23 years, Wendell Parker served his country with tremendous honor and distinction, retiring at the rank of lieutenant commander in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Wendell Parker has supported war veterans of the United States for 22 years through his membership with The American Legion; and
WHEREAS, in his role as Boys State program coordinator for The American Legion Post 110, Wendell Parker facilitates one of the nation's most respected and selective high school education programs for the study of government and civics, in which participants learn by engaging in the functions of local, county, and state governments; and
WHEREAS, Wendell Parker's duties with Boys State include interfacing with local high schools to educate them about the program, interviewing applicants, guiding The American Legion Post 110's selection process, and coordinating all logistics for the students attending the program and for their recognition afterwards; and
WHEREAS, through his involvement with The American Legion's Boys State program, Wendell Parker has helped numerous young people develop a better understanding of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of franchised citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Lieutenant Commander Wendell E. Parker, USN, Ret., hereby be commended for his service to the community as Boys State program coordinator for The American Legion Post 110 of Virginia Beach; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Lieutenant Commander Wendell E. Parker, USN, Ret., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth.