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Expressing regret at the passing of Captain Willie Pitts, Jr.; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, our nation´s security continues to rely on the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States who are prepared constantly to place themselves in harm´s way to protect the freedoms that all citizens of this nation cherish; and

WHEREAS, on March 2, 2001, the State of Georgia lost one of its finest and most distinguished citizens and a true hero with the untimely death of Captain Willie Pitts, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, he was an honest and dedicated man who strived for excellence in all his endeavors; and

WHEREAS, this beloved individual exhibited extraordinary devotion to duty, outstanding loyalty, fine leadership, and meticulous attention to detail in all his duties throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, this courageous patriot volunteered to serve his country with unmatched honor and bravery as a member of the United States Army for over three decades where he attained the distinction of becoming Georgia´s most decorated veteran of the Vietnam War during which he served five tours of duty; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his amazing record of service in Vietnam, his military career also included service in Laos, Cambodia, Iran, Germany, Japan, Lebanon, Panama, and South Korea; and

WHEREAS, among his countless recognitions, this valorous and heroic man received four Purple Hearts, six Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit, two Silver Stars, four Air Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, Master Wings, Iranian Wings, a Vietnamese Armed Forces Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge, 14 Vietnam Citations, a Korea Campaign Medal, ten Good Conduct Medals, the United Nations Civic Action Ribbon, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, a Jungle Expert Badge, the Staff Medal, the NCOES Award for Army Service, two Meritorious Service Medals, Vietnam Wings, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Staff Medal, a President Unit Citation, a Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, a Lebanon Honor Medal, and an Overseas Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, he also served for two consecutive terms as district commander of the American Legion, and his unparalleled organizational and leadership talents, his remarkable patience and diplomacy, his keen sense of vision, and his acute sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of his community and state earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates; and

WHEREAS, there are simply no words adequate to assuage the anguish which the untimely passing of this patriotic soldier has caused in the hearts and lives of his family and friends.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body express their deepest and most profound regret at the untimely passing of Captain Willie Pitts, Jr., and their utmost appreciation for all men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States who stand ever ready to lay the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of Captain Willie Pitts, Jr.