TO COMMEND THE HONORABLE THOMAS R. "TOM" YOUNG, JR., OF AIKEN COUNTY FOR HIS FOUR YEARS OF COMMITTED SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND TO WISH HIM ALL THE BEST IN THE YEARS TO COME.

Whereas, the Honorable Thomas R. "Tom" Young, Jr., of Aiken County for four years has loyally represented the citizens of House District 81 in the House of Representatives of this great State; and

Whereas, in preparation for his life's work, Tom Young earned his bachelor's degree in 1993 at the University of South Carolina (in the process also earning the coveted Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for that year) and his Juris Doctorate at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1996. A resident of his native Aiken, he serves as an attorney; and

Whereas, married to the former Heather Winkles since 2001, he is the proud father of two young daughters, Hailey Elizabeth and Ashley Caroline; and

Whereas, Representative Young has always believed strongly in personal involvement with his community, and his convictions have led him to serve the people of South Carolina in numerous capacities. These include volunteer service as an attorney for Millbrook Baptist Church, as well as service on the boards of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Aiken County Dollars for Scholars, Children's Place, and the USC Aiken Partnership; and

Whereas, Tom Young, a man of faith, finds strength through worship and active membership at St. John's United Methodist Church, as well as through the firm support of his family; and

Whereas, in recognition of his spirit of excellence and dedicated service to the people of South Carolina, Tom Young has been granted various honors, such as the 2009 University of South Carolina Law Alumni Silver Compleat Lawyer Award and 2011 Business Advocate Award, presented by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce; and

Whereas, as a South Carolina House member, Representative Young has served with distinction on the House Judiciary Committee; and

Whereas, on the occasion of his retirement from the House of Representatives, his House colleagues, grateful for Tom Young's faithful service in that body, extend their best wishes for much success and fulfillment in the new challenges he looks forward to in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend the Honorable Thomas R. "Tom" Young, Jr., of Aiken County for his four years of committed service as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and wish him all the best in the years to come.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to our distinguished colleague, the Honorable Tom Young.