TO HONOR LINDA S. SMITH, G8, DIRECTOR OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE (RMO) AT FORT JACKSON'S UNITED STATES ARMY SOLDIER SUPPORT INSTITUTE (SSI), FOR HER FORTY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS GREAT STATE AND NATION, TO CONGRATULATE HER ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, AND TO WISH HER MUCH SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, having served the citizens of the Palmetto State and this nation with excellence for forty years, Linda S. Smith, G8, director of the Resource Management Office (RMO) at Fort Jackson's United States Army Soldier Support Institute (SSI), will be leaving the post she has filled with such distinction to enjoy retirement on April 1, 2015, with a preceding congratulatory luncheon in her honor on March 27, 2015; and

Whereas, a native of Dothan, Alabama, Linda Smith was educated in the public schools of Freeport, New York. Mrs. Smith, a graduate of Benedict College, began her civilian service career in 1975 as an Internal Revenue Service taxpayer service representative. In 1979, she began working for the Department of Defense at Fort Jackson in the Civilian Personnel Office. Having completed the Civilian Personnel Intern Program, she worked as a personnel specialist for eighteen years, also serving as a member of the team that worked to transition the Soldier Support Institute to Fort Jackson. Further, she was a management analyst at Moncrief Army Hospital. In 1997, Mrs. Smith formally joined the Soldier Support Institute. Over the years, she has completed multiple Department of Defense-sponsored training and education opportunities; and

Whereas, prior to her assignment as RMO director, Mrs. Smith served as SSI senior management analyst. In her capacity as director of resources, Mrs. Smith directs the efficient utilization of monetary, manpower, and equipment resources allocated to the Soldier Support Institute. During Mrs. Smith's tenure, she has been instrumental in transitioning the organization through major resource-management initiatives. Beginning in 2007 with the National Security Performance System, Mrs. Smith provided critical policy and operational analysis. With the adoption of the General Fund Enterprise Business System in 2010, the SSI often has been cited for subject-matter expertise; and

Whereas, in recognition of the consistent spirit of excellence she has demonstrated during her four decades at Fort Jackson, Linda Smith repeatedly has been rewarded for her outstanding service; and

Whereas, this longtime resident of Columbia has been married for forty-three years to Dr. Carlos Smith, a Richland County School District One administrator. They are the proud parents of two children, Ayanna and Carlos (Heather), who have given their mother and father the delight of two charming granddaughters, Taelore and Nailah. Mrs. Smith's post-retirement plans include traveling and spending more time with her family; and

Whereas, grateful for Linda Smith's commitment to the citizens of South Carolina and this nation, the Senate takes great pleasure in recognizing her many years of outstanding service. The members wish her well as she enters retirement and trust she will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor Linda S. Smith, G8, director of the Resource Management Office (RMO) at Fort Jackson's United States Army Soldier Support Institute (SSI), for her forty years of dedicated service to the people of this great State and nation, congratulate her on the occasion of her retirement, and wish her much success and fulfillment in all her future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Linda S. Smith.