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SJR 363

Memorials, Heroism - Specialist Ethan M. Ward and Specialist Brandon T. Moore, 2025 National Guardsmen of the Year -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Richard Briggs

Honors TN Guardsmen Ward and Moore for saving six civilians during Hurricane Helene; named 2025 National Guardsmen of the Year; ceremonial acknowledgment, no legal changes.

Signed by Governor.
#heroism #memorials
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Bill Summary · SJR 363

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution 363 (SJR 363)

Purpose and Intent

  • SJR 363 is a joint resolution of the Tennessee General Assembly honoring and congratulating Specialist Ethan M. Ward and Specialist Brandon T. Moore of the Tennessee National Guard for heroic actions during a disaster response and for being named the 2025 National Guardsmen of the Year.
  • The resolution recognizes their bravery, leadership, and crisis-management abilities demonstrated during the Hurricane Helene response in September 2024.

Background and Key Facts

  • Event: Disaster response to Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, in Erwin, Tennessee (Unicoi County).
  • Action: Ward and Moore, members of the Tennessee National Guard’s 776th Maintenance Company in Elizabethton, performed high-water rescue operations at Unicoi County Hospital as floodwaters rose.
  • Incident details: Their Light Medium Tactical Vehicle was struck by debris, tipping onto its passenger side and filling with water. They exited the vehicle, swam to a floating debris pile, and waited for civilian rescue.
  • Civilian rescue: They rescued six civilians who were swept down the Nolichucky River, using debris as a platform to pull them to safety.
  • Coordination: They directed first responders on land using hand-and-arm signals to communicate the civilians’ status and to help coordinate a helicopter rescue.
  • Outcome: They assisted the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crew to hoist all civilians to safety, demonstrating crisis-management skills and personal bravery.
  • Recognition: Ward and Moore were named the 2025 National Guardsmen of the Year for their actions.

Provisions and Provisions’ Nature

  • The resolution expresses formal honor and congratulations to Ward and Moore.
  • It designates that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with a specific clerical clause noting formatting details for copies intended for presentation.
  • No statutory changes, funding provisions, or policy changes are included—this is a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Individuals: Specialist Ethan M. Ward and Specialist Brandon T. Moore.
  • Unit/Entity: Tennessee National Guard, 776th Maintenance Company (Elizabethton).
  • Broader impact: Recognition of heroism by the Tennessee General Assembly and public acknowledgment of exemplary actions by National Guardsmen.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025.
  • Key legislative actions occurred in mid-April 2025, including passage on first and second readings and consents, transmission to the Governor, and final signature.
  • Governor’s action: Signed by the Governor on April 24, 2025.
  • Status: Now signed and enacted as a memorial joint resolution (no change in law, but formal commendation).

Significance

  • SJR 363 serves as an official state commendation recognizing extraordinary courage, teamwork, and lifesaving actions during a natural-disaster event.
  • It highlights the values of valor and service above self and contributes to public awareness of the National Guard’s role in civilian emergencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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