H*5385 Concurrent Resolution, By Harrell, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, 
Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, 
R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, 
Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, 
Freeman, Frye, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hagood, Hamilton, Harrison, Harvin, 
Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Howard, Huggins, 
Jennings, Keegan, Kennedy, Kirsh, Koon, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, 
Lloyd, Loftis, Lourie, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, 
Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J.H. Neal, J.M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, 
Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E.H. Pitts, M.A. Pitts, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, 
Richardson, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, 
Skelton, D.C. Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Smith, G.R. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, 
W.D. Smith, Snow, Stewart, Stille, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, 
Tripp, Trotter, Umphlett, Vaughn, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, 
Whitmire, Wilkins, Witherspoon and Young
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE LIEUTENANT MICHAEL
 THOMAS ON RECEIVING THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD MERITORIOUS PUBLIC SERVICE
 AWARD AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES TO HIM IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

   05/26/04  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-303
   05/26/04  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-10

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE LIEUTENANT MICHAEL THOMAS ON RECEIVING THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD MERITORIOUS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES TO HIM IN ALL OF HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, in keeping with the highest traditions of the State of South Carolina and the United States Coast Guard, certain individuals go above and beyond the call of duty to make meritorious and dedicated contributions to the maritime community in support of safety and security; and

Whereas, since September 11, 2001, Lieutenant Michael Thomas of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Marine Patrol has led the SCDNR Marine Patrol in patrolling the waterways of South Carolina in the defense of additional acts of terrorism; and

Whereas, over the following two years, Lieutenant Thomas forged a close relationship with Charleston and Savannah Coast Guard commands as they collectively planned and executed the systematic protection of over 15,000 square miles of coastal and inland waters; and

Whereas, under Lieutenant Thomas' innovative leadership, his Marine Patrol officers aggressively conducted over 3,000 hours of waterborne patrols along the remote reaches of South Carolina's coastal region deterring terrorism and ensuing the safety of the State and the nation; and

Whereas, Lieutenant Thomas served as an active member of the local, state, and federal agency Maritime Security Joint Task Force for South Carolina which implemented highly synergistic underwater and shore-side maritime security training; and

Whereas, in addition to the security training, the Task Force also aggressively conducted joint operations resulting in over 10,000 hours of waterborne homeland security patrols throughout the ports of Charleston and Port Royal, and the waterways of South Carolina; and

Whereas, because of the dedication of men like Lieutenant Michael Thomas, the Palmetto State and the nation are safer, and the citizens of this State are deeply grateful for all the hard work and sacrifices Lieutenant Thomas has made for our ultimate benefit. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Michael Thomas on receiving the United States Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award and extend best wishes to him in all of his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Lieutenant Michael Thomas.