HR 455

HR455 193568-1 By Representatives Hurst, Johnson (R) and Boyd RFD: First Read: 20-MAR-18 193568-1:n:03/20/2018:JEC/jec LSA2018-1398 COMMENDING DANTE WHITAKER FOR OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT. WHEREAS, highest commendations are herein proudly presented to Dante Whitaker for outstanding professional achievement, advocacy for forest service employees, and pastoral service; and WHEREAS, a Tuskegee, Alabama, native, with a prominent background in forestry, Dante Whitaker embarked upon his career with the Young Adult Conservation Corps in 1979; his record of professional excellence has included serving as an Alabama Forestry Commission employee, serving as a Forest Aide, marking thirty-two million board feet of timber annually with a team in the Oakmulgee National Forest, serving as the first African American Engineering Equipment Operator in the National Forests in Alabama, serving as a program manager of the Multicultural Advisory Committee for the National Forests in Alabama, and preserving forest jobs, working on behalf of forest workers in Washington, D.C., and reviewing policies and processes to affect positive change for Forest Service employees as a Region 8 Vice President of the National Federation of Federal Employees; and WHEREAS, Dante Whitaker also works for progressive public policy as Vice President of the Talladega County Democratic Party and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Talladega Quality of Life Health Services; for the past six years, he has served as Pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church of Talladega; he and his beloved and devoted wife of 31 years have raised four children together; and WHEREAS, with an unwavering commitment to excellence in the forest industry, as an advocate and a pastor, Dante Whitaker reflects immense credit upon the entire State of Alabama; he is a true public servant who has positively impacted countless lives through his meritorious work, and he is truly deserving of special commendation and praise; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That Dante Whitaker is highly honored and commended, and this resolution is offered to him in deepest admiration and appreciation for his immeasurable service, as well as with sincere best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.