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2017 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 742
Commending Scott R. Park.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 20, 2017
Agreed to by the Senate, January 26, 2017

 

WHEREAS, in 2015, Scott R. Park of Virginia Beach retired from the Department of the Navy after more than three decades of service to the Commonwealth and the United States, and he continues to inspire others through his strong character and unwavering faith; and

WHEREAS, a loyal civil servant, Scott Park worked for the Department of the Navy for 36 years, supporting the development and execution of the Environmental Restoration Program for Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, a program to identify, investigate, and clean up waste disposal sites on military property; and

WHEREAS, through his work with the Navy, Scott Park helped reduce health risks to military personnel and damage to the environment; in addition to his government work, he also served the community as a Sunday school teacher in Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, in 2007, after receiving open-heart surgery, Scott Park was diagnosed with an extremely rare blood disorder called catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS), which required two years of dialysis and a kidney transplant; and

WHEREAS, Scott Park endured multiple strokes, which caused traumatic brain injury, and was comatose for a period in 2015; demonstrating incredible perseverance and inspiring positivity, he taught himself to speak, walk, and use his arms again, never letting his illness break his spirit; and

WHEREAS, an avid fan of North Carolina State University basketball, Scott Park and his wife, Ellen, and their family have used the words of former North Carolina State University basketball coach Jimmy Valvano, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up,” as a rallying cry; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2015, Scott Park was chosen to attempt a half-court shot for a prize of $1 million at the 2015 Atlantic Coast Conference tournament semifinal game; undaunted by his condition, he traveled to the game in Greensboro, North Carolina, and took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Scott Park’s shot made it only to the free throw line, but the video of his attempt, which has been viewed millions of times, ultimately brought national attention to CAPS, of which there have been only approximately 400 recorded cases in history, and inspired other individuals with illnesses to keep fighting and never give up; and

WHEREAS, Scott Park’s incredible story of courage was profiled nationally on the ESPN Network, detailing the love of his family, his indomitable strength, and his quiet nobility in combating this life-threatening disease and providing inspiration to countless Virginians and Americans; and

WHEREAS, Scott Park and his entire family’s faith and spirit while facing this illness are proof that love conquers all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Scott R. Park on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of the Navy in 2015; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Scott R. Park as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his service to the Commonwealth and the United States.