A house RESOLUTION

To commend Bart T. Blackwell for eight years of committed service to the citizens of House District 81 in Aiken County and to wish him success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

Whereas, for eight years and with great integrity, Bart T. Blackwell has represented the citizens of Aiken County District 81 in the House of Representatives of this great State; and

Whereas, Representative Blackwell was born in Buffalo, New York, on September 14, 1960. He attended the University of Buffalo for one year before transferring to the College of Charleston. He excelled in his studies and graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics and a minor concentration in political science. However, the most rewarding part of his time in college was meeting his wife, Paula; and

Whereas, shortly after graduation, Representative Blackwell had the opportunity to pursue his passion for aviation and accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Officer Training School. After receiving his commission, he attended navigator flight school where he graduated in the top ten percent of his class and was designated a Distinguished Graduate. He then spent six years on active duty, earned a master's degree from the University of California, and obtained the rank of captain. Later, he furthered his education by attending and graduating from Leadership Aiken County; and

Whereas, Representative Blackwell spent a few years managing programs for a defense contractor in Charleston and consulting with the Department of Defense's Joint Center for Flexible Computer Integrated Manufacturing before he launched an engineering development company to create a new hospital bed that enhances the quality of life for bedbound patients. The product received Underwriter Laboratory and FDA approvals and was awarded two patents. In 1999, he took control of the existing B & S Machine Tool operation and with his leadership, doubled the size of the operation; and

Whereas, Representative Blackwell always has been committed to serving others, from his military service to his service as a board member and chairman for the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors to his service as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. He began his tenure in the General Assembly in 2017 serving continuously for eight years. His contributions include serving on the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee; and

Whereas, Representative Blackwell is married to Paula Epting and the couple are the parents to two beautiful children, Matthew and Daniel. He always made time for his sons, serving as their Cub Scout den leader, youth baseball coach, and youth soccer coach; and

Whereas, in all of his service, he has provided the House of Representatives with sound business insight and the wisdom of a man of character. The members will miss the valuable contributions that Representative Blackwell has bestowed upon the House of Representatives, and hope he finds much enjoyment in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend Bart T. Blackwell for eight years of committed service to the citizens of House District 81 in Aiken County and wish him success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Bart T. Blackwell.

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