A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

To request the Department of Transportation name the portion of South Carolina Highway 9/United States Highway 601 from its intersection with State Road S-13-40 (High Point Church Road) to its intersection with State Road S-13-555 (Arant Street) in Chesterfield County "SSgt. Jason C. Hicks Memorial Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing these words.

 

Whereas, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 1, 1977, Jason C. Hicks was the son of Theresa S. Hicks and the late J. Carroll Hicks. He grew up in Pageland and Jefferson, South Carolina, and graduated from Central High School where he played varsity football. He also was a member of the Pageland Rescue Squad and the Highpoint-Eastside Fire Department; and

 

Whereas, on May 1, 1996, Hicks enlisted in the United States Air Force and went to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, for basic training. Upon graduation he accepted training as an HH-60G helicopter crew chief. After training, he was assigned to Keflavic Air Base in Iceland, where he was introduced to Air Force Combat Search and Rescue. He spent time learning the systems and operations of the HH-60G and aspired and pursued training in aviation operations. He received orders to report to the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia as a helicopter crew chief and was approved for cross training as a helicopter flight engineer in 2001; and

 

Whereas, from Mood AFB Hicks received orders to report to Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, to attend the Basic Flight Engineer Course and initial qualification training as a flight engineer. He returned to Moody AFB as a fully qualified flight engineer. Hicks was a graduate of the Avionics Systems Technology course, the Airman Leadership School, and was pursuing a degree from the Community College of the Air Force in aircraft maintenance technology; and

 

Whereas, Staff Sgt. Hicks took part in deployments during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002 and 2003. He flew on numerous combat support missions, helping to save the lives of American and coalition soldiers and airmen. On March 23, 2003, Staff Sgt. Hicks died in an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five other airmen during a medical evacuation mission in Afghanistan; and

 

Whereas, during his career, Staff Sgt. Hicks received many awards and honors that include the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon; and

 

Whereas, it is only fitting and proper that the valiant heroism of this native son of the Palmetto State, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country, be remembered by having a portion of highway in Chesterfield County named in his memory.  Now, therefore,

 

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

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name the portion of South Carolina Highway 9/United States Highway 601 from its intersection with State Road S-13-40 (High Point Church Road) to its intersection with State Road S-13-555 (Arant Street) in Chesterfield County "SSgt. Jason C. Hicks Memorial Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing these words.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

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