SR521: Celebrating the life of Jamie Beletz.
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 521
WHEREAS, Jamie Beletz, an honorable veteran, dedicated activist, and beloved member of the Prince William County community, died on December 9, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Jamie Beletz proudly served his country with courage and valor aboard the United States Navy destroyer USS Turner Joy during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, despite sustaining a significant injury during his military service, Jamie Beletz was undeterred in his educational pursuits, earning a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, where he was president of the student government; and
WHEREAS, as an employee with the United States Department of Defense, Jamie Beletz worked tirelessly in support of the agency’s contract management and oversight, including a two-year posting in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, a talented political consultant who was driven to make a difference in his community, Jamie Beletz spearheaded numerous campaigns over the years for candidates and causes he supported; and
WHEREAS, Jamie Beletz organized the “Unity March Against Hate” event in 2020 to voice the community’s repudiation of hate speech and violence; initially, envisioned as a three-day march from Manassas to Charlottesville, the demonstration evolved into a car caravan to safeguard against the threat of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, as leader of the Coles District Democratic Committee in Prince William County, Jamie Beletz advanced efforts to improve voter registration and absentee voter participation while doubling the committee’s membership; and
WHEREAS, Jamie Beletz fostered the success of innumerable young people as a member of the alumni board of his alma mater, Western Washington University; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his deep and abiding faith, Jamie Beletz enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Congregation Ner Shalom in Dale City, where he was recently appointed to the executive board; and
WHEREAS, Jamie Beletz will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Melody; his daughter, Sarah; his stepchildren, Jeni, Eric, Colin, Era, and Robin; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Jamie Beletz, a cherished member of the Prince William County community whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Jamie Beletz as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.