SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 500 Offered February 12, 2007 Commending General John P. Abizaid. ---------- Patron-- O'Brien ----------

WHEREAS, United States Army General John P. Abizaid, former commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for American troops in a 27-country region covering much of the Middle East, is recognized for his many achievements and loyal service to the citizens of the Commonwealth and the nation; and

WHEREAS, John Abizaid was born in California to a Christian Lebanese-American family; he speaks fluent Arabic and is the most senior officer in the United States military of direct Arab descent; and

WHEREAS, over the years, John Abizaid, his devoted wife, and three wonderful children have spent much time in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, General Abizaid's military education includes graduation from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, Class of 1973; Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Officer schools, Armed Forces Staff College; and United States Army War College; and

WHEREAS, in civilian studies, General Abizaid completed a senior fellowship at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University; earned a master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University; and studied as an Olmsted Scholar at the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from the USMA, General Abizaid was commissioned a second lieutenant of the infantry and began his career with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a rifle and scout platoon leader, commanding the 2nd and 1st Ranger Battalions; and

WHEREAS, an inspiring leader and role model, General Abizaid has served his country as the commander of countless brave soldiers of Virginia and the nation in every conflict that America has been involved in since the invasion of Grenada in 1983, including leading a Ranger Rifle Company during the invasion of Grenada; the 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Regiment combat team in Vicenza, Italy, during the Gulf crisis; and the 1st Armored Division in Bosnia-Herzegovina; and

WHEREAS, a great mentor to young people and the future leaders of the nation, General Abizaid then served as the 66th Commandant at the USMA at West Point; and

WHEREAS, among his many staff assignments, General Abizaid has served tours with the United Nations and in numerous positions in the Office of the Chief of Staff of the United States Army and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and

WHEREAS, continuing his leadership of the troops, General Abizaid assumed command of the 1st Infantry Division, the “Big Red One,” in Würzburg, Germany, which provided the first American ground attack into Kosovo; and

WHEREAS, General Abizaid served his country as one of two deputy commanders of CENTCOM during the major combat phase of the Iraq War; and

WHEREAS, following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, General Abizaid was promoted to the rank of four-star general, and on July 7, 2003, assumed command of CENTCOM from General Tommy Franks and charged with the many difficult decisions regarding the troops and the United States military operations in Iraq; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend General John P. Abizaid for his distinguished and loyal service to all of his brave troops and the citizens of the Commonwealth and the nation; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to General John P. Abizaid as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation of his many accomplishments and his commitment to the values of duty, honor, and country.