Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek J. Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Andrew Zemek; commend lives and memorialize dedication of helipads.
Summary
House Resolution 86 is a commemorative resolution honoring the lives and military service of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Joshua Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan Andrew Zemek. The resolution recognizes both men as Mississippi National Guard aviators who died in an Apache helicopter crash near Booneville, Mississippi, on February 23, 2024, and recounts their careers, flight experience, military expertise, family roles, and personal character. It also notes that the one-year anniversary of their deaths was February 23, 2025, and that a ceremony will be held later in the year to honor their sacrifice.
The resolution further memorializes the dedication of two new helipads on Camp Shelby’s Parade Field in their honor: the Alpha Helipad for Abbott and the Zulu Helipad for Zemek. It directs that copies of the resolution be provided to the families, Camp Shelby leadership, and the Capitol Press Corps. As a House resolution, HR86 does not amend the Mississippi Code or create regulatory requirements; instead, it serves as an official expression of respect and remembrance by the House of Representatives.
Impact
HR86 has no direct effect on state statutes, agency authority, or appropriations. Its legal impact is ceremonial: it formally records the Legislature’s recognition of two fallen service members and commemorates the naming of Camp Shelby helipads in their honor. The resolution may be used as an official legislative tribute and as part of the public record, but it does not change Mississippi law or impose obligations on any person or entity beyond the distribution of the resolution itself.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and respectful. The bill text is written in a commemorative tone that emphasizes sacrifice, service, patriotism, faith, family, and military professionalism. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes showing opposition, the available context suggests broad, noncontroversial support for honoring the two soldiers and recognizing the helipad dedication.
Contention
There is little to no apparent contention in the available record. The resolution is a memorial tribute rather than a policy measure, and no committee debate or vote history is provided indicating disagreement. Any discussion would likely center only on the appropriateness of the honorific recognition and the naming of the helipads, but the materials supplied show unanimous celebratory framing rather than dispute.