Bill Text: VA SJR109 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Master Chief Rudolph Ernest Boesch, USN, Ret.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-02 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ109ER) [SJR109 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SJR109-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Master Chief Rudolph Ernest Boesch, USN, Ret., distinguished veteran of the United States Navy SEALs and beloved member of the Virginia Beach community, died on November 1, 2019; and
WHEREAS, born January 20, 1928, in Rochester, New York, Rudolph "Rudy" Boesch enlisted with the United States Navy in 1945, beginning nearly a half century of active, meritorious service; and
WHEREAS, Rudy Boesch carried out tours of duty aboard the USS New Yorker and the USS Massey in the 1940s, then he served in the Underwater Demolition Team from 1951 to 1962 at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek; and
WHEREAS, in 1962, Rudy Boesch was selected as one of the original members of the elite United States Navy SEAL Team Two, commanding as chief of the boat and setting physical and operational standards over 26 years with the special operations force; and
WHEREAS, Rudy Boesch demonstrated great courage in two deployments to Vietnam; in 1968, he participated in 45 combat operations, earning a Bronze Star for heroic action, and in 1970, he redeployed to train South Vietnamese troops in underwater demolition; and
WHEREAS, in 45 years with the United States Navy, Rudy Boesch earned a reputation for being an exemplary Navy SEAL; before his retirement in 1990, he held the title of "Bull Frog," an honor recognizing the active duty Navy SEAL with the longest continuous period of service; he also received the Defense Superior Service Medal in recognition of his support of the United States Special Operations Command, a remarkable accomplishment for an enlisted sailor; and
WHEREAS, as tribute to the many years he dedicated to his country, Rudy Boesch was among the 14 initial inductees to the United States Special Operations Command's Commando Hall of Honor in 2010; and
WHEREAS, already a legend in the United States Navy SEAL community, Rudy Boesch rose to national fame in 2000 as a contestant on Survivor: Borneo, the first season of the popular reality-television program, and enjoyed many subsequent television appearances while becoming a fixture in homes nationwide; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Marjorie, Rudy Boesch will be dearly remembered and greatly missed by his three daughters, Ellen Marie, Patricia Ann, and Barbara Jean, their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Master Chief Rudolph Ernest Boesch, USN, Ret., honored veteran and an inspiration to many; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Master Chief Rudolph Ernest Boesch, USN, Ret., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
