House Concurrent Resolution 71

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JOHN RHODES UPON HIS PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF BRIGADIER GENERAL AND EXTENDING BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS.

WHEREAS, on August 29, 2015, the 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, promoted John Rhodes to the prestigious rank of Brigadier General in recognition of his outstanding achievements and service to his country; and

WHEREAS, Brigadier General Rhodes is currently the Commander of the 66th Troop Command, which is comprised of approximately 2,600 soldiers with 22 armory locations that extend from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the Mississippi/Tennessee state line; and

WHEREAS, Brigadier General Rhodes began his military career in November 1983, as a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, before enrolling in the Army ROTC program at Mississippi State University in 1985, where he received his officer commission upon graduation in May 1987; and

WHEREAS, as a Lieutenant on active duty, Brigadier General Rhodes was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment stationed in Germany with the 1st Armored Division, where he served as Mortar Platoon Leader during the 1991 Gulf War; and

WHEREAS, in September 1991, Brigadier General Rhodes transferred to the Mississippi Army National Guard and was assigned to the 155th Separate Armored Brigade before serving at the Pentagon in the Army Operations Center in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS, because of his reputation as a solid leader, Brigadier General Rhodes assumed command of the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, which he commanded during its deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2005; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, Brigadier General Rhodes served as the Deputy Brigade Commander for the 155th Brigade Combat Team during its deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom 9.2; and

WHEREAS, upon the brigade's redeployment in 2010, Brigadier General Rhodes served as the Commander of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team until July 2013, after which he served as the Chief of Staff of the Mississippi Army National Guard; and

WHEREAS, as a result of his immense command experience, Brigadier General Rhodes was tapped to assume command of the 66th Troop Command in May 2015, and currently remains at that position; and

WHEREAS, in addition to graduating from Mississippi State University, Brigadier General Rhodes is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Armor Officer Advanced courses, and is a graduate of the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his career, Brigadier General Rhodes has earned many prestigious awards and medals, including: the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Iraq Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge with one Star, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and various other campaign ribbons and service awards; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his role in the Army National Guard, Brigadier General Rhodes is currently the General Manager for the Corinth Gas and Water Department in Corinth, Mississippi, where he resides with his wife Debbie and their two children, Nathan and Suzanne; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the outstanding service members of this state, such as Brigadier General John Rhodes, whose service to this state and the United States brings honor to every citizen of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate John Rhodes upon being promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the 66th Troop Command of the Mississippi Army National Guard, Brigadier General John Rhodes and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.