Bill Text: VA HR255 | 2023 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Technical Sergeant Thomas Lee Jefferson, Jr., USAF, Ret.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-01-23 - Bill text as passed House (HR255ER) [HR255 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2023-HR255-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Technical Sergeant Thomas Lee Jefferson, Jr., USAF, Ret., an honorable veteran, esteemed law-enforcement officer with the Hampton Sheriff's Office, and a beloved member of the Hampton community, died on October 6, 2022; and
WHEREAS, known affectionately by friends and family as "Jeff," Thomas Jefferson grew up in Brooklyn, New York, before joining the United States Air Force as an administration technician and clerical technician; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson bravely served his country with honor and distinction during the Vietnam War and was later stationed in California and Washington before ultimately taking a post at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton; and
WHEREAS, after 23 years with the United States Air Force, Thomas Jefferson retired at the rank of technical sergeant and shortly thereafter joined the Hampton Sheriff's Office; and
WHEREAS, during his 16 years with the Hampton Sheriff's Office, Thomas Jefferson worked diligently to protect and serve the community and honed his abilities as a law-enforcement professional by obtaining a dual degree with honors in criminology and sociology from what was then Saint Leo College in 1984; he ultimately retired from the force in 1995 after attaining the rank of lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith in the Gospel, Thomas Jefferson enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community and served his congregation as a deacon, on the usher board, and in the sound room; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson greatly supported his fellow veterans through his involvement with Disabled American Veterans, including serving as commander of the organization's Murray-Rhea Peninsula Chapter 6; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson maintained membership with various Freemasonry chapters over the years and held several prominent positions in these organizations, such as worshipful master of Blooming Olive Lodge No. 94 in Newport News and district deputy grand master emeritus of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, among other leadership roles; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Wenona; his children, Kenneth, Vanessa, and Valorie, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Technical Sergeant Thomas Lee Jefferson, Jr., USAF, Ret., a cherished member of the Hampton community whose dedication to serving the country and his community inspired all who knew him; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Technical Sergeant Thomas Lee Jefferson, Jr., USAF, Ret., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.
