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2024 SESSION

24107323D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 135
Offered February 23, 2024
Commending First Sergeant Macky J. Cottongim, USMC.
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Patrons-- Reeves, Boysko, Diggs, Durant, McDougle, Salim and Stuart; Delegates: Ballard, Clark, Cole, Ennis, Fowler, Green, Martinez, Milde, Morefield, Obenshain, Owen, Rasoul, Scott, P.A., Ware and Wyatt
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WHEREAS, after an outstanding career that spanned more than 20 years and included several postings in the Commonwealth, First Sergeant Macky J. Cottongim, USMC, will retire from military service in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Macky Cottongim grew up in Lakeland, Florida, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in May 2003; he completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island in South Carolina and infantry training at Camp Geiger in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Macky Cottongim subsequently reported to Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Northwest Annex in Chesapeake, where he completed the basic security guard course; he was assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor in Washington, then returned to the Commonwealth to attend Close Quarters Battle School in Chesapeake; and

WHEREAS, Macky Cottongim continued to rise through the ranks, and in February 2006, he reported to the Anti-Terrorism Battalion in Camp Lejune, North Carolina, as a section leader; from October 2006 to May 2007, he deployed to Camp Ashraf, Iraq, where he carried out duties as a convoy commander and sergeant of the guard; and

WHEREAS, after his overseas deployment, Macky Cottongim joined the Marine Corps Security Forces Training Company in Chesapeake, where he primarily served as a chief instructor for close quarters battle courses and took part in rewriting the curriculum for the Close Quarters Battle School; and

WHEREAS, Macky Cottongim’s next posting took him to Camp Pendleton, California, where he attended the Infantry Unit Leaders Course and served as a squad leader in 2nd Battalion, Fourth Marines, and a platoon sergeant with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines; and

WHEREAS, in August 2012, Macky Cottongim volunteered for an individual augmentation and deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, where he served as the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the Joint Operation Center, trained personnel throughout Afghanistan in quick reaction drills, and revised the Quick Reaction Drill Course; and

WHEREAS, in October 2013, Macky Cottongim attended the Staff Noncommissioned Officers Career Course, and the following year, he began training as a drill instructor, then served as a drill instructor, senior drill instructor, chief drill instructor, and operations chief at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, until 2018, when he reported to The Basic School in Quantico; and

WHEREAS, while assigned to The Basic School, Macky Cottongim held numerous leadership positions and used his wide range of experience to teach and mentor newly commissioned and appointed marine officers; and

WHEREAS, Macky Cottongim reported to his current posting, Detachment 1, Supply Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 453 in Topeka, Kansas, in April 2021 and serves as the inspector instructor first sergeant; and

WHEREAS, after his retirement from military service, Macky Cottongim looks forward to spending time with his wife, Paula, and their daughter, Mackenzie, and seeking new opportunities to serve his community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend First Sergeant Macky J. Cottongim, USMC, on the occasion of his retirement from the military; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to First Sergeant Macky J. Cottongim, USMC, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his outstanding achievements in service to the United States.