Bill Text: MS HR111 | 2015 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Mr. Thomas F. Gerrets, Sr.; commend professional and community contributions.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2015-03-31 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR111 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2015-HR111-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Martinson
House Resolution 111
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE OF MR. THOMAS F. GERRETS, SR.
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas F. Gerrets, Sr., of Madison, Mississippi, has devoted his life to serving and improving the State of Mississippi through his professional contributions as well as his incredibly extravagant community philanthropy; and
WHEREAS, upon graduating from Holy Cross School in New Orleans in 1963, Mr. Gerrets received his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Tulane University in 1967; and
WHEREAS, from 1967 until 1971, Mr. Gerrets, a revered United States Air Force Captain, dutifully served as officer-in-charge of the booster rocket section for the Titan III missile program at Cape Kennedy, Florida; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gerrets, a registered professional engineer in Louisiana and California, worked for Entergy Corporation from 1971 until 2001 and during that time, he was the Director of Total Quality for Entergy Nuclear, which is headquartered in Jackson and operates nuclear power plants in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and several other states; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure with Entergy Corporation, Mr. Gerrets served in several engineering and management roles, including his membership on the nuclear senior management team and his Manager of Quality Assurance and Nuclear Services position, where he attentively oversaw the construction, licensing and operation of Entergy's Waterford 3 Nuclear Plant near New Orleans; and
WHEREAS, currently, Mr. Gerrets performs duties and services as the business manager for the Endodontic practice of Thomas F. Gerrets, Jr., DMD, who is his son; and
WHEREAS, as the current Facilities Chair of St. Joseph Catholic School, Mr. Gerrets, who oversees the entire campus, saving the school thousands of dollars, played a diligent role in the construction of the Fine Arts Building, and while some people joke that he lives at the school because he dedicates so much of his invaluable time to this volunteer position, his commitment is a truly remarkable feat in the eyes of the very appreciative faculty, board, staff, and student body; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his engineering career, work as a business manager and volunteerism, Mr. Gerrets has served as a member of the board of directors at Holy Cross School and United Way of the Capital Area, Inc., in Jackson, a member and president of the St. Joseph Catholic School Advisory Committee in Madison, and a member of the National Advisory Council for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gerrets is married to the lovely Patricia (Patsy) Gerrets, who has been a pillar of support to him throughout their marriage, and the couple has two children, Dr. Tom Gerrets, Jr., and Tiffany G. McKinnon, and four grandchildren, Hollan, Ashton, Sarah and Avery; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gerrets and his wife, very active parishioners at St. Francis Catholic Church in Madison, accompanied Bishop Houck on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome to inaugurate the new millennium, and Mr. Gerrets, a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council in the 1990s, actively represented the Jackson Diocese on the Liaison Lay Board of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, attending all of the board's meetings in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, to recognize and honor their devout service to the Catholic faith, Mr. Gerrets and his wife received the Bishop Joseph Chance Award for their dedicated service, an elite award that has been given to only 22 other people; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gerrets is a man of incredible stature and character, and his professional and community contributions have tremendously advanced the wonderful State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the magnificent contributions and unparalleled community service that exceptional Mississippians such as Mr. Thomas F. Gerrets, Sr., provide to the citizens of this great Magnolia State:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and meritorious leadership and service of Mr. Thomas F. Gerrets, Sr., and extend to him most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Thomas F. Gerrets, Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
