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2013 SESSION

13100005D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 648
Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled January 8, 2013
Commending Commander R. Malcolm Fortson III, USN (Ret.).
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Patron-- Joannou
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WHEREAS, Commander R. Malcolm Fortson III, USN (Ret.), was honored by the Portsmouth Service League as its 2011 First Citizen of Portsmouth for his many contributions to the city and the well-being of its residents; and

WHEREAS, the Portsmouth First Citizen Award, given annually, recognizes those “individuals who embody the spirit of citizenship through service to the community”; and

WHEREAS, Commander Fortson, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, decided to remain in Portsmouth after retiring from a distinguished naval career and embarked on a second career in private industry and education and as an independent consultant; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Commander Fortson has taken an active role in many civic and community endeavors, becoming an integral part of the Portsmouth community as he has provided strong leadership to a wide array of organizations and initiatives that have enhanced and enriched the lives of local citizens; and

WHEREAS, a visionary leader known for his ability to bring together varied interests and communities, Commander Fortson led efforts to hold summits that engaged local citizens in helping plan for Portsmouth’s future, evidencing the foresight and dedication to the city that has marked his community involvement; and

WHEREAS, Commander Fortson has reached out to Portsmouth’s rising leaders as a volunteer presenter with the Vann H. Lefcoe Leadership Development Program, sharing his vast wealth of experience and insight on leadership, organizational behavior, and communications gained from military and civilian work; and

WHEREAS, Commander Fortson has been a tireless advocate of services for Portsmouth’s homeless, serving as a founding member of the Portsmouth Self Sufficiency Project and president of Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, a respected member of the community, Commander Fortson has served on the boards of Primeplus Norfolk Senior Center, where he is now director emeritus; Portsmouth General Hospital; and Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Commander Fortson also serves as a member of the logistics committee of the annual Seawall Art Show, while his assistance with the Portsmouth Museums Foundation and Children’s Museum of Virginia capital campaign has been invaluable; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Commander Fortson serves as treasurer and vestryman and provided strong leadership as a former member of the Stewardship Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, a worthy recipient of the Portsmouth First Citizen Award, Commander Fortson has helped shape the growth and development of Portsmouth and inspired countless residents with his faithful service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Commander R. Malcolm Fortson III, USN (Ret.), on his selection by the Portsmouth Service League as its 2011 First Citizen of Portsmouth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Commander R. Malcolm Fortson III, USN (Ret.), as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for his commitment to Portsmouth and the Hampton Roads area.