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2013 SESSION

13100500D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 697
Offered January 10, 2013
Commending Lieutenant Colonel Richard C. Oertel, USA (Ret.).
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Patrons-- Cox, M.K., Anderson, Carr, Cole, Cosgrove, Dance, Dudenhefer, Greason, Helsel, Hugo, Ingram, Lingamfelter, Loupassi, Massie, McClellan, Morris, Robinson, Rush, and Stolle; Senators: Marsh, Martin, Ruff, and Watkins
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WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Richard C. Oertel, USA (Ret.), the adjutant for American Legion Post 284 in Colonial Heights and the American Legion 11th District Commander for Virginia, was honored for his distinguished service to his fellow veterans as the 2011 - 2012 Virginia District Commander of the Year; and

WHEREAS, an admired leader, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel was selected from among the 17 district commanders across the state to receive the prestigious honor at the 2012 American Legion Department of Virginia Convention; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel began his exemplary military career with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii; he later served in Australia, Korea, and other posts across the United States, including as an assistant professor of military science and adjutant at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and graduated from the Command and General Staff College and Armed Forces Staff College, now known as the Joint Forces Staff College; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel, who earned an array of awards and decorations during his military career, concluded his active-duty service as the deputy director and senior military analyst at TRAC at Fort Lee in 1994 and entered the civilian workforce; and

WHEREAS, a longtime member of American Legion Post 284, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel has been a staunch advocate for his fellow veterans, serving on the building and grounds committee and executive committee and as the post commander and adjutant for the 1,150-member post; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel implemented an email service to keep members informed, organized and conducted Memorial Day and Labor Day ceremonies, created a mailing list for distribution of the post’s newsletter, helped plan Post 284 and the 11th District “Legion Day on the Hill,” and participated in a number of civic projects; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel also devotes considerable time and energy to helping members and other veterans with receiving benefits and awards and medals and serves as an instructor at the American Legion National College; and

WHEREAS, during Lieutenant Colonel Oertel’s tenure as American Legion Post 284 Post Commander, the post earned a number of awards, including national recognition with a Post Excellence Award; and

WHEREAS, as the District 11 Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel oversaw the 2012 Memorial Day service at the Virginia War Memorial, which featured patriotic music, a keynote speaker, and a ceremony to honor Virginia’s fallen war heroes and drew a crowd of more than 2,000; and

WHEREAS, a true patriot devoted to his community, country, and fellow veterans, Lieutenant Colonel Oertel exemplifies the loyalty and determination displayed by members of the military as they faithfully serve at home and abroad; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Lieutenant Colonel Richard C. Oertel, USA (Ret.), on his selection as the 2011 - 2012 Virginia District Commander of the Year; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Lieutenant Colonel Richard C. Oertel, USA (Ret.), as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for his commitment to serving his country and fellow veterans.