Pennsylvania SR 150: A Resolution designating August 31, 2021, as "Overdose Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1161
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 150
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY SAVAL, A. WILLIAMS, KEARNEY, FARRY, STREET,
MARTIN, ARGALL, HUGHES, PENNYCUICK, SANTARSIERO, TARTAGLIONE,
HAYWOOD, VOGEL, COSTA, FONTANA, MASTRIANO, J. WARD, STEFANO,
CAPPELLETTI, KANE, ROBINSON AND MILLER, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Designating June 8, 2025, as "Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy
Day" in Pennsylvania, honoring Lieutenant Colonel George
Hardy's military service and recognizing him as a decorated
veteran, community leader and enduring symbol of courage.
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy was born in South
Philadelphia and celebrated his 100th birthday on June 8, 2025;
and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy is the last surviving member of the
United States Army Air Corps 99th Pursuit Squadron activated
during World War II as the first African American fighter
squadron, commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen, whose courage,
dedication and service continues to inspire both military
personnel and civilians of all backgrounds throughout this
country; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy is a proud alumnus of South
Philadelphia High School who, as a student, aspired to become an
engineer; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy received a Bachelor of Science in
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Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Systems
Engineering-Reliability from the United States Air Force
Institute of Technology and an Honorary Doctor of Public Service
from Tuskegee University; and
WHEREAS, Upon completion of his basic training at Keesler
Army Airfield in Biloxi, Mississippi, Lt. Col. Hardy completed
his pilot training at the Tuskegee Institute, earning his wings
in September 1944; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to serve in the 99th Fighter Squadron,
332nd Fighter Group (P51- Mustang Aircraft) stationed in Italy,
where between February 1945 and September 1945, Lt. Col. Hardy
flew 21 combat missions, many of which were high altitude
missions escorting bombers over Germany; and
WHEREAS, Following the conclusion of World War II, Lt. Col.
Hardy returned to the Tuskegee Institute to train student pilots
until the closure of the Tuskegee Army Airfield in 1946; and
WHEREAS, After attending New York University's School of
Engineering, Lt. Col. Hardy returned to active-duty service in
1948 as part of the Strategic and Tactical Field Team within the
United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, Between 1948 and 1950, Lt. Col. Hardy was deployed
to the United States territory of Guam as a member of the 28th
Bomb Squadron of the 19th Bomb Group of the United States Air
Force, flying as a copilot in a combat crew on B-29 aircrafts;
and
WHEREAS, During the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, the 19th
Bomb Group received a transfer to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa,
Japan, during which Lt. Col. Hardy flew 45 missions over North
Korea; and
WHEREAS, During the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971, Lt. Col.
20250SR0150PN1161 - 2 -
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Hardy was deployed with the 18th Special Operations Squadron to
Phan Rang Air Base in South Vietnam serving as a Detachment
Leader for Squadron aircraft located at Udorn Air Base in
northern Thailand; and
WHEREAS, During his deployment to Vietnam as Aircraft
Commander on AC 119 K gunships, Lt. Col. Hardy flew 70 combat
missions over North Vietnamese supply routes in Cambodia and
Laos; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy retired from the United States Air
Force after 26 years of active duty service in November 1971;
and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding service to his
country, Lt. Col. Hardy received the Distinguished Flying Cross,
the Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters, the Congressional Gold
Medal and two Presidential Unit Citations; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy continues to bring national attention
to the racial discrimination Tuskegee Airmen and other enlisted
people of color endured under segregation policies, which
persisted until July 1948 when President Harry S. Truman issued
Executive Order 9981 mandating the desegregation of the United
States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy inspires national awareness around
commemorations of the Tuskegee Airmen and their sacrifices
through advocacy and historical projects; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy is a cherished mentor to countless
aspiring pilots, sharing his experience and knowledge to build
confidence in these pilots to rise above challenges to achieve
their aspirations; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy is an exemplary citizen who continues
to serve his community by volunteering at St. Wilfred Episcopal
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Church of Sarasota, Florida, and Coleman Knott Food Pantry; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Col. Hardy is a devoted husband, father,
grandfather, cousin, uncle, friend to many and hero to all;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the Com