08 LC 95
0721
Senate
Resolution 1196
By:
Senator Thomas of the 2nd
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
Master Sergeant Ray Bess; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Master Sergeant Ray Bess was born on March 6, 1961, in Newark, New Jersey, to
Dudley and Ora Bess as the second child of three; and
WHEREAS,
he graduated from West Side High School in Newark, New Jersey, in 1979, and he
went on to attend Somerset Junior College while working part time with Elizabeth
Medical Center in their radiology program to pay for his education;
and
WHEREAS,
he joined the United States Army in 1983 and was assigned to Fort Stewart,
Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
he met his wife, Pamela, in 1985 while at Fort Stewart, and they have been
married for 22 years and have one son, Ray N. Bess, Jr.; and
WHEREAS,
after his first tour of duty, he reenlisted and finished a second tour of duty
in 1992 and later joined the Air National Guard, where he ended his military
career in 1999 as a proud Master Sergeant; and
WHEREAS,
with a combined service term of 24 years, Master Sergeant Bess has earned many
distinguished medals and citations including the Joint Meritorious Unit Award,
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four devices, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air
Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with three devices, National Defense
Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one device, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Overseas Service
Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service with three devices, and Georgia National
Guard Service Medal; and
WHEREAS,
Master Sergeant Ray Bess has served his country with honor and distinction, and
it is only proper and fitting that we recognize his distinguished service to
this state and to our nation.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body join
together to commend Master Sergeant Ray Bess for his extraordinary service to
this state and to our nation.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is hereby authorized and
directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Master Sergeant
Ray Bess.