Bill Text: VA SR23 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Corporal Spencer Roman Bartley Collart, USMC.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-01 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR23ER) [SR23 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SR23-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Corporal Spencer Roman Bartley Collart, USMC, a highly admired native of Arlington who served the nation as an aircraft crew chief in the United States military, died in the line of duty on August 27, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Spencer Collart grew up in Arlington and attended Taylor Elementary School and Swanson Middle School; he began high school with the inaugural class of Arlington Tech, where he earned an Academic Merit Award and took his first aviation class; and
WHEREAS, throughout his youth, Spencer Collart participated in the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts, and he was a talented multisport athlete, playing baseball, soccer, flag football, taekwondo, wrestling, basketball, and lacrosse; and
WHEREAS, Spencer Collart ultimately graduated from Washington Liberty High School, then found his true calling and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, Spencer Collart completed basic training and combat training at Parris Island, South Carolina, then trained in basic water survival in Pensacola, Florida, and basic mechanical training and flight training in New River, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, after earning his gold wings as an air crew member, Spencer Collart was stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363), which operates the MV-22 Osprey amphibious assault aircraft; in the course of his duties, he earned the admiration of others for his leadership abilities, commanding presence, and expertise; and
WHEREAS, in August 2023, Spencer Collart was serving as the forward crew chief of an MV-22 Osprey as part of a training exercise between the United States, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste; and
WHEREAS, during the exercise, Spencer Collart died in the line of duty when his aircraft crashed on Melville Island, Australia; and
WHEREAS, the quick thinking and heroic actions of Spencer Collart and his crew saved the lives of the 20 Marines in the aircraft's passenger compartment; and
WHEREAS, according to the senior infantry marine aboard the aircraft, "Spencer died a hero. It is because of Spencer and the rest of the crew's bravery, skill, and training, with zero doubt in my mind, that 20 marines are alive today. It is because of them that the 160 marines in Lima Company get to see their brothers again. It is because of them that 20 mothers get to see their sons again. It is because of them that six wives will see their husbands again. It is because of them that four kids get to see their dads again. Spencer and the crew are responsible for saving our lives and are my heroes."; and
WHEREAS, Spencer Collart earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; he had recently also qualified as an instructor and was enjoying opportunities to mentor other crew chiefs; and
WHEREAS, Spencer Collart enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregations of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and Cherrydale Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Spencer Collart will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his parents, Bartley and Alexia; his sister, Gwyneth; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Corporal Spencer Roman Bartley Collart, USMC; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Corporal Spencer Roman Bartley Collart, USMC, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.
