A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring Kelly Larson for his longstanding public service and congratulating him on his upcoming retirement.

WHEREAS, Kelly Larson has dedicated much of his life to the community of Wessington Springs, serving with distinction in various capacities. Kelly is currently employed by Jerauld County as a maintenance manager but will be retiring this month; and

WHEREAS, Kelly's longstanding commitment to public service is exemplary. Kelly joined the South Dakota National Guard at age seventeen and served honorably for over thirty years, including a deployment to Iraq from 2003 to 2005, and remained on active duty for nearly six years. Kelly has continued his service to veterans and the community as the vice commander of the local VFW; and

WHEREAS, Kelly's commitment to his community is demonstrated by the variety of organizations to which he has devoted his time. Kelly spent twenty-nine years with the local volunteer fire department, and both played and umpired amateur baseball in South Dakota. He umpired fifteen state amateur baseball tournaments, twenty state VFW tournaments, and three state legion tournaments:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Ninth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Kelly Larson is honored for his unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and contributions to the betterment of Wessington Springs and the state of South Dakota, and he is congratulated on his upcoming retirement.