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2018 SESSION

18100653D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 36
Offered January 26, 2018
Celebrating the life of Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret.
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Patrons-- Miyares, Guzman, Knight and Stolle
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WHEREAS, Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., a beloved husband and father and a respected resident of Virginia Beach who forged an accomplished career as a naval aviator, died on October 12, 2017; and

WHEREAS, John “Jack” G. Colgan was born in 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University; and

WHEREAS, a 33-year veteran of the United States Navy, Jack Colgan was a talented pilot who logged over 5,000 flight hours and 750 aircraft carrier landings while serving in fighter squadrons in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Pacific on board the USS Princeton, USS Boxer, USS Ranger, USS Kitty Hawk, and USS Forrestal; and

WHEREAS, during his long and distinguished Navy career, Jack Colgan brought his leadership skills to posts around the globe; he served during the Vietnam War, held staff appointments at military and civilian schools, and acted as commanding officer of the Naval Air Reserve unit in Norfolk and of the Navy fighter squadron VF-43; and

WHEREAS, Jack Colgan also served as special assistant to the chief of naval personnel for POW/MIA affairs at the Pentagon; during his final deployment, he acted as a Navy attaché at the United States Embassy in Ottawa, Canada; and

WHEREAS, Jack Colgan received numerous honors for his service to his country, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, a Department of Defense Joint Commendation, and two Navy Commendations; and

WHEREAS, after his retirement from the Navy, Jack Colgan worked in the commercial space industry and as a member of a consulting firm; he settled in Virginia Beach, where he was active in civic and community affairs and armed forces organizations, including the Military Officers Association of America and the Association of Naval Aviation; and

WHEREAS, known for his warm personality and rich sense of humor, Jack Colgan loved sports and was a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles football team; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his first wife, Faustina, and sons, John and Michael, Jack Colgan will be fondly remembered by his wife, Catherine; his son, James; his stepdaughters, Sara, Martha, and Rebecca, and their families; and countless other family members, colleagues, and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., a dedicated veteran who selflessly served his country and the Virginia Beach community; 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 Captain John G. Colgan, USN, Ret., as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.