HR 56: Scuba Record Set by Gate City Man

Virginia House Resolution #56 is one of those pleasing bits of fluff that are almost always passed without debate, but I found it a fun read that made me smile, so perhaps you'll enjoy it too. (Every legislator does a few of these, every year...usually the achievements of the people formally commended are less entertaining than Jerry Hall's.) This is the text of the bill:

"HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 56
Offered January 8, 2014 Prefiled January 6, 2014 Commending Jerry Hall. ---------- Patron-- Kilgore ---------- WHEREAS, Jerry Hall, a native of Gate City in Scott County, broke the world record for the longest scuba dive in open fresh water by remaining underwater at South Holston Lake in Bristol, Tennessee, for 145 hours, 31 minutes, and 23 seconds; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Hall, a graduate of Gate City High School and a chemical operator for Eastman Chemical Company, had set two previous world records in the same category, once in 2002 and once in 2004; and
WHEREAS, for his 2013 attempt, Jerry Hall prepared physically and mentally for the challenging event that would also raise money for Speedway Children’s Charities; and
WHEREAS, on July 27, 2013, Jerry Hall went into the water at the Laurel Marina and Yacht Club, where a 12 x 12 underwater platform at a depth of approximately 25 feet became his home for the next six days and a weighted vest helped keep him underwater; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Hall kept busy during his underwater time, riding an underwater bike for exercise, playing checkers, watching DVDs on an underwater television, listening to music via an underwater speaker, helping people earn their diving certificates, and even eating and sleeping; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Hall enjoyed the skilled assistance of a volunteer crew of divers and land-based support personnel who helped him prepare for and plan the dive and switched out oxygen tanks, brought him food, and watched him while he slept; and
WHEREAS, on August 2, 2013, Jerry Hall emerged at the Laurel Marina and Yacht Club—several pounds lighter and with shriveled skin—having smashed his previous record; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Hall demonstrated great mental focus and determination as well as physical stamina throughout his underwater experience; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Jerry Hall on establishing a world record for the longest scuba dive in open fresh water; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jerry Hall as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for his remarkable achievement."