2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 231

Commending General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 6, 2025

WHEREAS, General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Dale City, an affiliate of one of the oldest and largest war veteran service organizations in the country, has fulfilled its mission to “honor the dead by helping the living” for many years; and

WHEREAS, General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 takes its name from the legendary officer Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller, the most decorated veteran in the history of the United States Marine Corps, who settled in the Commonwealth following his 38 years of service to the nation; and

WHEREAS, the members of General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 give generously of their time and resources through various charitable endeavors and programs, including open houses and picnics, school supply donations, scholarship programs, wreath laying at veterans' gravesites in collaboration with the Sgt. Mac Foundation, and other activities to support and aid the community; and

WHEREAS, through its assistant benefits office, General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 works with a myriad of organizations to ensure veterans receive the assistance and care they deserve; and

WHEREAS, General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 regularly sends members into Prince William County schools to give presentations to students on various historical topics and figures, imparting wisdom and experience for the benefit of the Commonwealth's young people; and

WHEREAS, General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 and its auxiliary demonstrate their respect and gratitude for veterans and their families by providing an honor guard at the funerals of local veterans and by sending sympathy cards to their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 has been ably guided by a succession of thoughtful and experienced leaders, including its current post commander, Ben Guinan; and

WHEREAS, with great compassion and concern for the well-being of their fellow veterans, the members of General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 have made an impact on countless lives, earning the esteem and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby be commended for its dedication and legacy of service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to General Lewis B. Chesty Puller Post 1503 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's high regard for the organization's contributions to the Commonwealth.