Commending Colonel James T. O'Kelley, USMCR (Ret.).

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 47 co-sponsors

Virginia honors Colonel James T. O’Kelley for decades of military, public service, education, veteran advocacy, and community leadership.

Bill text as passed House (HR2074ER)

Summary of HR 2074 (Virginia, 2026 Session)

Purpose and intent

This is a House of Delegates resolution commending Colonel James T. O'Kelley, USMCR (Ret.), in recognition of his lifelong service to the United States, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Charlottesville/Albemarle community.

The resolution explicitly notes O’Kelley’s military and civilian contributions, including leadership, scholarship, public service, and veteran advocacy.

Key provisions

Expresses commendation and admiration from the Virginia House of Delegates for Colonel O’Kelley’s legacy of dedication and service.

Directs the Clerk of the House of Delegates to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Colonel O’Kelley as a formal expression of appreciation.

Who/what is affected

Primary beneficiary: Colonel James T. O’Kelley, USMCR (Ret.).

The broader impact is ceremonial, recognizing one individual’s combined military, public safety, academic, historical, and veteran-support contributions.

The resolution references and acknowledges O’Kelley’s connections to Charlottesville and Albemarle County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the nation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

This is a commemorative (non-binding) resolution.

Introduced and offered June 3, 2026, during Special Session I.

Action history shows it was presented and laid on the Speaker’s table on June 3, 2026.

Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Amy Laufer, Nicole Cole, and Jeion Ward.

Notable biographical and contextual details highlighted

Education: Duke University (BS in Civil Engineering, 1964); George Washington University (MS in Systems Management, PhD in Public Policy Analysis).

Military service: 36 years with the USMC Reserve; Vietnam service; roles including platoon commander, advisor, executive officer, company commander; decorations include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Combat Action Ribbon.

Civil service and academia: Retired from Marine Corps as director of the Logistics Readiness Center; worked with the U.S. Geological Survey; adjunct professor at George Mason University; involved in veteran-related education and memorial initiatives.

Community involvement: Part-time deputy sheriff in Albemarle County; president of Charlottesville-Albemarle TRIAD; 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason; family and veteran-history work, including memorial projects and authoring a book on Vietnam-era units.

Overall significance

The bill serves to formally recognize and publicly honor Colonel O’Kelley’s extensive service and impact across military, law enforcement, education, history, and veteran-support initiatives.

It functions as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than policy enactment, symbolizing bipartisan or cross-sector appreciation within the Virginia General Assembly.