25 LC 112 3195 Senate Resolution 297 By: Senators Anderson of the 43rd, Davenport of the 17th, Wicks of the 34th, Rhett of the 33rd, Harbison of the 15th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements; and for other purposes. 1 WHEREAS, Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements served as a guardian of this nation's freedom2 and liberty with the United States Army, valiantly protecting and supporting her fellow3 Americans throughout her distinguished military career; and4 WHEREAS, a native of Eatonton, Georgia, she became the first in her family to earn a high5 school diploma, attend and graduate from college, and enlist in the military, excelling both6 academically and athletically by earning three full academic and athletic scholarships before7 choosing to enlist in December 1981; and8 WHEREAS, she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for creating a mailroom and9 constructing a secure storage area for body bags during Operation Desert Storm and10 Operation Desert Shield, both of which greatly increased morale within the command; and11 WHEREAS, after her military service, she earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology and12 an Associate of Science in physical education, receiving recognition from Who's Who13 Among Students in American Universities and Colleges while also accumulating over 1,00014 hours of volunteer service; and15 S. R. 297 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3195 WHEREAS, she has dedicated over 30 years to mentoring and youth programs as a Girl 16 Scout leader, coach, referee, Junior Achievement leader, and developer of mentorship and17 physical fitness programs for at-risk youth; and18 WHEREAS, she remains an active and committed advocate for veterans as Vice President19 and Historian of the Atlanta Metro Chapter of the National Association of Black Military20 Women, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign21 Wars, and a chartered member of the Women's Memorial; and22 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this23 remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body25 recognize and commend Sergeant (Ret.) Mary L. Clements for her exceptional military26 service, community leadership, and lifelong dedication to uplifting others as well as extend27 the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed29 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Sergeant (Ret.)30 Mary L. Clements.31 S. R. 297 - 2 -