WHEREAS, Robert Hardy, a proud veteran and retired civil servant, has served the youth of the Fairfax community as a volunteer rifle team coach at Robinson Secondary School for more than 33 years; and

WHEREAS, a native of Alabama, Robert "Bob" Hardy was born into a military family and learned the value of honor, sacrifice, and duty at a young age; after graduating from the University of Alabama, he was commissioned in the United States Army and began active-duty service in 1956; and

WHEREAS, Bob Hardy began his military career as an air defense artillery officer and commanded a missile battery in Lorton before being reassigned to the Republic of Korea; he returned home in 1962 to marry his wife of 51 years, Patty, with whom he has three children and three grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Bob Hardy and his family traveled to various postings, including Fort Sill, Fort Knox, Fort Bragg, Fort Bliss, and Heidelberg, Germany; he then served a one-year tour in Vietnam, earning the Combat Infantry Badge; and

WHEREAS, after receiving a master's degree from the University of Alabama, Bob Hardy served on the public affairs staff of the Secretary of Defense until his retirement as a lieutenant colonel in 1977; he went on to serve a United States Representative and a United States Senator as a press secretary and worked at the Department of Health and Human Services for several years; and

WHEREAS, in 1981, Bob Hardy began generously volunteering his time and wise leadership as the head coach of the Robinson Secondary School rifle team; he has helped countless students hone their skills and earn college scholarships, achieve appointments to military academies, or enter occupations that serve their communities and the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Robert Hardy for more than three decades of service to the Fairfax community and a lifetime of service to the Commonwealth and the United States; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Robert Hardy as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his service and admiration for his commitment to the youth of Fairfax County.