Georgia-2009-HR274-Introduced

By: Representatives Sellier of the 136th, Cheokas of the 134th, Talton of the 145th, Pruett of the 144th, and O`Neal of the 146th

Commending Mr. Samuel A. Lyons for his induction into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, inspired by his father who was a pilot in World War II, Mr. Samuel A. Lyons's love for aviation began at an early age; and

WHEREAS, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Lyons earned his pilot's license while attending school at Presbyterian College; and

WHEREAS, after completing his college education, Mr. Lyons served for two years in the United States Army and then returned home to open a hobby shop, Historical Hobbies; and

WHEREAS, during his years at Historical Hobbies, Mr. Lyons created fascinating and hauntingly realistic paintings of a wide range of aircraft often mistaken for photographs, which have inspired pilots and aviation fans of all ages; and

WHEREAS, his painting Lead Solo graces the Air Force Art Hall in the United States Pentagon with many others located in such prestigious locations as the Blue Angel Headquarters, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Air Force Museum, and the Royal Air Force Museum; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lyons's paintings have been featured on many covers of books, magazines, and catalogs, including the children's book What's a Piper Cub that inspires countless young future pilots; and

WHEREAS, long recognized for his artistic merit, Mr. Lyons received first place in the General Aviation categories of the Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine's Best of the Best 2003 Aviation Aerospace Art awards; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lyons is one of the few civilians who have flown in the F-15 Eagle, the F-16 Falcon, and in the F-18 Hornet with the United States Navy's Blue Angels; and

WHEREAS, passionate about all things aeronautical, Mr. Lyons is an active member of the American Society of Aviation Artists, the Air Force Art Program, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Vintage Aircraft Association, Warbirds of America, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society; and

WHEREAS, on February 14, 2009, Mr. Lyons will be formally inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Robins Air Force Base Museum of Aviation; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lyons is rightfully deserving of admission into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame for his many achievements and the inspiration he has provided so many, and it is both fitting and proper that we recognize this great pilot's contribution to Georgia's aviation history.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that this body commends Mr. Sam Lyons for his induction into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame and looks forward to seeing this outstanding Georgian's achievements recognized and recorded into Georgia's aviation history and legacy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Mr. Sam Lyons.