Bill Text: VA SJR185 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of John Martin Couric.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2012-03-14 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ185ER) [SJR185 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2012-SJR185-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, John Martin Couric, a courageous veteran of World War II whose passion for truth and mastery of the written word resulted in successful careers as a trusted journalist, dedicated public relations professional, and admired educator, died on June 22, 2011; and WHEREAS, a native of Georgia, John Couric graduated from Mercer University and began his career in print journalism as a newspaper reporter in Macon, bringing local readers the news of the day; and WHEREAS, as the nation entered World War II, John Couric joined the war effort and enlisted in the United States Navy, bravely serving in the Mediterranean as the Allies invaded Sicily and in the Pacific in the campaigns for Tarawa, Peleliu, the Philippines, and Okinawa; and WHEREAS, after the war, John Couric returned to civilian life and his career in journalism while continuing to serve his country proudly in the United States Naval Reserve, eventually retiring with the rank of lieutenant commander in 1965; and WHEREAS, a reporter for the Atlanta Constitution, John Couric covered Georgia politics, ensuring that readers received a fair and accurate portrayal of the latest happenings in their state government; and WHEREAS, admired for his commitment to journalistic integrity, John Couric joined the United Press wire service, reporting on events across the southern United States, from hurricanes to the rise of then-Governor Herman Talmadge of Georgia; and WHEREAS, in 1951, John Couric became a part of the Washington bureau of the United Press and served for several years as a reporter and wire service editor before transitioning into public relations; and WHEREAS, John Couric's love of language proved to be an invaluable asset in the public relations field, as he skillfully crafted and honed communications for a variety of trade associations, the American Health Care Association, and the Food and Drug Administration; and WHEREAS, while raising a family and working full time, John Couric returned to school, earning a master's degree from American University, which led to his position as an adjunct professor of journalism and public relations at American University and the University of Maryland; and WHEREAS, for nearly three decades, students from all walks of life gained invaluable insight from John Couric as he shared his experiences and stories as a journalist and public relations professional; and WHEREAS, a dedicated community supporter, John Couric provided thoughtful guidance as a member of the executive committee of the American Heart Association and the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped; and WHEREAS, a longtime member of The National Presbyterian Church, John Couric enjoyed fellowship, service, and worship alongside other members of the historic church's congregation; and WHEREAS, a man of great integrity, John Couric served as a source of inspiration and strength to his family members throughout his life, emphasizing the importance of education and encouraging them to pursue their dreams and remain committed to excellence in all of their endeavors; and WHEREAS, a wise patriarch, John Couric enjoyed a long and particularly rewarding life alongside his wife and dear companion of 67 years, Elinor, while taking great pride in the accomplishments of his children, the late Virginia State Senator Emily Couric, Clara Batchelor, John M. Couric, Jr., and Katie Couric, and their families, all of whom, along with many faithful friends, will greatly miss him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an outstanding citizen of the Commonwealth, John Martin Couric; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of John Martin Couric as an expression of the General Assembly's abiding respect for his memory. |
