HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 255 Offered February 2, 2006 Celebrating the life of Carl Skeens, Sr. ---------- Patron-- Phillips ----------

WHEREAS, Carl Skeens, Sr., a respected citizen, community leader, and lifelong resident of Dickenson County, died on November 23, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Carl Skeens served his country in the United States Army for 20 years, including two tours of duty in Korea and one tour in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, during his distinguished military career, Carl Skeens received the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge—2 awards, and the Good Conduct Medal— 3 awards; and

WHEREAS, committed to improving the quality of life for all of his neighbors, Carl Skeens served as a member of important civic organizations, including the Dickenson County Board of Supervisors and the board of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority; and

WHEREAS, Carl Skeens was invaluable in the establishment of the Dickenson County Litter Control Department and a recycling program throughout Dickenson County; and

WHEREAS, Carl Skeens participated in numerous community activities and gave generously of his time and many talents to serve senior citizens, children, and residents in need throughout the county; and

WHEREAS, Carl Skeens will be fondly remembered for his great compassion and loving nature and will be missed by his family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his numerous friends and admirers, and the citizens of Dickenson County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Carl Skeens, Sr.; 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 Carl Skeens, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.