H*5152 Resolution, By J. Young, G. Brown, J.H. Neal, G.M. Smith and Weeks
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. HAROLD E. KOENIG OF SUMTER COUNTY FOR HIS
 LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN AVIATION, AND WISHING HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND
 GOOD HEALTH UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

   04/18/02  House  Introduced and adopted HJ-8

COMMENDING MR. HAROLD E. KOENIG OF SUMTER COUNTY FOR HIS LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN AVIATION, AND WISHING HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND GOOD HEALTH UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

Whereas, Mr. Hal Koenig of Sumter County began his life in aviation during World War II when he joined the military, where he served as both a pilot and flight instructor; and

Whereas, with the advent of the jet engine, Hal Koenig became one of the country's first jet flight instructors; and

Whereas, after twenty-three years in the military, Hal Koenig retired from the United States Air Force while stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, and was immediately hired as a flight instructor for then Sumter Airways; and

Whereas, Hal Koenig remained a flight instructor in Sumter throughout the many changes at the airport, eventually becoming the airport manager, where he was responsible for the entire facility; and

Whereas, Hal Koenig is particularly well known in Sumter for his generosity, where he not only regularly paid for the airport's expenses out of his own pocket, but also provided free flight instruction for students who could not afford the cost of the plane; and

Whereas, many of Hal Koenig's former students regard him as both a second father and the best instructor they ever had in any field of learning; and

Whereas, Hal Koenig's tireless efforts to foster aviation have contributed significantly to the economic and industrial development of Sumter County; and

Whereas, in recognition of his nearly sixty year career in aviation, thirty-six of which were devoted to teaching prospective Sumter pilots about the wonders and beauty of aviation, the City of Sumter recently celebrated "Harold E. Koenig Day in Sumter". Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend Mr. Harold E. Koenig of Sumter County for his long and distinguished career in aviation, and wish him much happiness and good health upon his retirement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Harold E. Koenig.