Bill > SR586

This resolution honors Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Otha E. Thornton, Jr., recognizing him as an outstanding citizen of Georgia for his extensive service and leadership. The resolution highlights his distinguished twenty-year career in the United States Army, where he held critical intelligence and national security roles, including assignments with the National Security Agency and the White House Communications Agency, contributing to national security efforts and ensuring the continuity of presidential communications. It also details his significant responsibilities in Iraq, overseeing personnel for over 250,000 individuals in combat zones and managing casualty operations, for which he received the Bronze Star Medal. Beyond his military service, the resolution commends his impactful advocacy in education, noting his historic role as the first African-American male president of the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), where he was instrumental in the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act, a law that shapes the U.S. public education system. His dedication to youth is further evidenced by his work with mentoring programs and his recognition as one of America's Most Influential Blacks. The resolution concludes by directing the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of this resolution to Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Thornton, Jr., acknowledging his profound contributions to national security and the educational future of children.

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72327