Howard Barnard sympathy

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 119 co-sponsors

The bill is a ceremonial resolution expressing sorrow and honoring Colonel Howard D. Barnard III’s lifetime of public service and military achievement.

Introduced and adopted

Summary of Bill H 5704 (2025-2026) – South Carolina

1) Purpose and Intent

This is a House of Representatives resolution expressing profound sorrow and offering sympathy upon the passing of Colonel Howard D. Barnard III of Horry County.

The bill serves to recognize and honor Colonel Barnard’s lifetime of public service, military achievement, community involvement, and charitable activities.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Declares the South Carolina House’s profound sorrow at Colonel Barnard’s death and extends deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

No substantive policy changes, appropriations, or regulatory provisions are included. It is a ceremonial resolution (a tribute) rather than a statute with enforceable obligations.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

The primary beneficiaries are Colonel Howard D. Barnard III’s family and friends, and more broadly the community recognizing his contributions.

The resolution provides formal acknowledgment by the legislative body and does not impose duties on state agencies or create programs.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill was introduced and adopted on May 14, 2026.

It includes a routine copy to be presented to the Barnard family.

The measure lists numerous co-sponsors from both the House leadership and various districts, reflecting broad ceremonial support.

Given its nature as a resolution of condolence, it functions as a formal expression of sympathy rather than a measure requiring implementation or funding.

5) Notable Background on the Honoree (as described in the text)

Career: Retired United States Air Force Colonel with extensive service as a fighter pilot and paratrooper; more than 5,000 flying hours; served in Vietnam; participated in Operation Desert Storm; commanded multiple levels within an Air Force Fighter Wing; served on the fighter planning staff at the Pentagon.

Education: Degrees from the University of Georgia and the University of Oklahoma;-earned master’s degrees; studied at the U.S. Army War College.

Public service and community involvement: Active in Habitat for Humanity, local literacy, church leadership (First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach), youth aviation programs (Wright Flight), Street Reach homeless mission participation, local school and civic boards, Rotary clubs, disaster relief, and community fundraising initiatives.

Personal: Resided in Horry County; family includes a spouse, two children, and five grandchildren; recognized as a veteran and community leader.

6) Effective Date

The resolution becomes effective upon adoption by the House (dated May 14, 2026).

If you’d like, I can adapt this into a shorter briefing for a newsletter or a longer version with context comparing it to typical ceremonial resolutions in the state.