Introduced Version





SENATE RESOLUTION No. ___




DIGEST OF INTRODUCED RESOLUTION


A SENATE RESOLUTION honoring Command Sergeant Major George Choung as founder of the Stingrays Drill Team and Color Guard.



BREAUX




     , read first time and referred to Committee on








Introduced

First Regular Session 115th General Assembly (2007)


SENATE RESOLUTION


     MADAM PRESIDENT:

    I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:

    A SENATE RESOLUTION honoring Command Sergeant Major George Choung as founder of the Stingrays Drill Team and Color Guard.

         A SENATE RESOLUTION honoring Command Sergeant Major George Choung as founder of the Stingrays Drill Team and Color Guard.
                    
    Whereas, after serving in the Vietnam War and returning to the United States, CSM Choung found that youth had little respect for the military or returning servicepeople so the Stingrays movement emerged, in part out of his strong desire to provide youngsters a positive image of the military through a disciplined program that would boost team work, their self- image and confidence;

    Whereas, under the sponsorship of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and other local community and state agencies, Choung was commissioned to organize and develop Stingrays Chapters in rural towns in New York and Pennsylvania;

    Whereas, this program uses military drill and ceremonies to teach marching and maneuvering patterns, self-discipline, confidence, leadership, pride, and respect for the flag of the United States and in 1967 the Buffalo Stingrays were the first chapter to win the National VFW Championship and in 1982

the 98th Division Stingrays of Western New York under the direction of Master Sergeant Choung competed in a world competition capturing the class and overall title;

    Whereas, following the strong tradition of the Stingrays Drill Team/Color Guard programs of previous decades, CSM Choung introduced the program to IPS School #2, the Center for Inquiry (CFI) in 1993 and in 2003 the CFI All-American Stingrays Competition Drill Team was organized, which incorporates elementary, middle and high school students into a single marching entity, and they won and continue to win both state and national competitions;

    Whereas, CMS Choung earned his Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Buffalo State University and earned his Masters from Sacramento State College in Social Work and is married to Donna Choung who works for the US Postal Service and has two daughters, Jenine and Cerissa who live in Indianapolis; and

    Whereas, George Choung is the current Post Commander of Fort Harrision VFW Post 7119, Chairman of the Indiana State VFW Drill and Ceremony, Chief Judge of the Midwest Drill Team Federation, Chairman of the 11th District VFW JROTC, Trustee with Amvets Post 99, member of the Military Order of the Cooties, member of the Millersville Masonic Lodge 128, a 32 Degree Mason, instruction of the New Bethel Baptist Drill Team and a member of a variety of other organizations.

Be it resolved by the Senate of the

General Assembly of the State of Indiana:


    SECTION 1. That the Indiana State Senate hereby honors Command Sergeant Major George Choung.
    SECTION 2. That the Secretary of the Senate shall transmit a copy of the Resolution to Command Sergeant Major George Choung.