A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR JARED EVANS FOR HIS YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE WITH THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS WORK WITH VETERANS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Jared Evans for his service to his State and his country; and

Whereas, a veteran of the United States, Mr. Evans served as a Recon Marine in the United States Marine Corps from 2005 until 2009; and

Whereas, Mr. Evans was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for displaying sound judgment and making swift decisions under enemy fire while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps; and

Whereas, Mr. Evans has proven himself a distinguished leader. He is currently serving as the Director of Military Engagement and Veterans Initiatives at the University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Mr. Evans is a strong advocate for veterans, having created the University of South Carolina Veterans Alumni Council in 2016 and having chaired the council for two years; and

Whereas, during his time as Director of Military Engagement and Veterans Initiatives at the University of South Carolina, enrollment has increased by almost thirty percent. The department has raised more than five hundred thousand dollars to support new scholarships, create a new Veterans & Military Center of Excellence in the heart of campus, and provide support for a Veterans Legal Clinic; and

Whereas, the veteran and military community at the University of South Carolina has been a driving force behind the school's overall success. In recent years, the Office of Veterans Services has implemented a university-wide strategy dedicated to serving those who serve; and

Whereas, for the first time in school history, in 2021 the University of South Carolina was named a Best for Vets college by Military Times with the number one Navy ROTC program in the country (2020) and number one Air Force ROTC detachment in the country (2018); and

Whereas, the University of South Carolina was recognized as the first Purple Heart University in South Carolina by the U.S. News & World Report, 2022, recognizing the University of South Carolina for being the Best Online Graduate Nursing Program for veterans; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the dedicated service of Mr. Evans to the University of South Carolina, the people of the military and veteran community, and our great nation. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Jared Evans for his years of distinguished service with the United States Marine Corps and commend him for his work with veterans at the University of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Jared Evans.

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