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2008 SESSION

088740744
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 335
Offered February 4, 2008
Celebrating the life of Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Mark T. Carter.
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WHEREAS, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Mark T. Carter, United States Navy, died December 11, 2007, as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Chief Petty Officer Carter was stationed at Naval Special Warfare Development Group Dam Neck at the time of his deployment to Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Mark Carter was born in Fallbrook, California, and graduated from Fallbrook High School in June 1998; and

WHEREAS, Mark Carter enlisted in the United States Navy in San Diego, California, on July 29, 1998, and graduated from the Naval Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, on December 11, 1998; he then reported to Information Systems Technician “A” School where he graduated in April 1999; and

WHEREAS, in May 1999, Chief Petty Officer Carter reported for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training at the Naval Special Warfare Center, Coronado, California; after graduating with Class 226, he attended and successfully completed the Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and reported to SEAL Team Three in Coronado, California, and then later to SEAL Team Seven, also in Coronado; and

WHEREAS, in April 2004, Chief Petty Officer Carter transferred to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he served with distinction, excelling as an operator, Leading Petty Officer, Assistant Team Leader, Point Man, and Lead Climber; and

WHEREAS, an inspiration to all, Chief Petty Officer Carter’s performance across the full spectrum of SEAL operations was always marked with dynamic enthusiasm, total commitment to mission success, and the highest regard for the welfare of his teammates; and

WHEREAS, Chief Petty Officer Carter belonged to a select group within the SEALs, whose members liken themselves to pirates and have been known to encourage teammates with the motto, "Don't give up the bones"; and

WHEREAS, during his service, Chief Petty Officer Carter was awarded three Bronze Stars with Combat “V” for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for Valor, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, and various commendations and service awards; and

WHEREAS, Chief Petty Officer Carter will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his father, Thomas; his mother, Cindy; his three brothers, Brandon Stewart, Trevor, and Taylor; his three sisters, Jennifer Cruz, Noel Low, and Shalynn Pruett; and numerous other family members, friends, and teammates; and

WHEREAS, Chief Petty Officer Carter’s death is a reminder of the perils faced daily by the thousands of Americans who serve in our armed forces overseas and whose devotion to duty places them in harm's way; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a courageous and patriotic American, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Mark T. Carter; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Mark T. Carter, United States Navy, as an expression of the high regard in which his memory is held by the members of the General Assembly and the citizens of the Commonwealth.