WHEREAS, David Endicott Bolte, a decorated veteran, respected educator, and longtime resident of Mount Vernon, died on June 1, 2015; and

WHEREAS, born in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, David Bolte grew up in a military family and followed in his father's footsteps, joining the United States Army Air Corps after graduating from high school in 1944; and

WHEREAS, David Bolte graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1949; he saw combat during the Korean War and was deployed to West Berlin during the Cold War; and

WHEREAS, in 1968, David Bolte took command of the 5th Battalion, United States Army 2nd Training Brigade at Fort Polk, then advised a South Vietnamese Regiment in Da Lat, Vietnam; he served at additional postings in South Korea and with the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement in 1977, David Bolte earned a master's degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and imparted his passion for lifelong learning to students in Fairfax County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, David Bolte also worked to strengthen and enhance the community as cochair of the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations, where he chaired the planning and zoning committee; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his military career, David Bolte earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Legion of Merit; and

WHEREAS, David Bolte will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Mary; children, Benjamin, John, Damara, and Kathryn, and their families; and numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of David Endicott Bolte, a distinguished veteran, passionate educator, and respected member of the Mount Vernon community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of David Endicott Bolte as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.