WHEREAS, Janet Jo Jefferis McMeans Tompkins was born in 1922 during the days of prohibition, jazz, and flappers; and

WHEREAS, after the United States entered World War II, Janet Jo saw her three male cousins serving in the war and thought she could do it too; and

WHEREAS, she enlisted in the Naval Reserves on Oct. 23, 1943. She was accepted in the Women's Reserve, U.S. Naval Reserve, Apprentice Seamen, Class V–9, received her orders and reported to her commanding officer on Dec. 9, 1943; and

WHEREAS, at 21 years of age, Janet Jo took her oath of enlistment. Seaman Jefferis learned the basics about airplanes and boats, studied Morse Code and flag signaling; and

WHEREAS, on April 4, 1944, Janet Jo was assigned for duty to the Communications Intelligence Subdivision in the Washington D.C. Office of Naval Communications. She worked in a top-secret office, and Janet Jo lived by the code of “loose lips sink ships”; and

WHEREAS, Janet Jo was promoted to Lieutenant on July 1, 1945, and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation in 1946. Her commendations at the end of the war included World War II Victory Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and American Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, on June 5, 1946, Janet Jo was given her honorable discharge and her notice of separation from the U.S. Naval Service, but remained a member of the Naval Reserves until March 21, 1951.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 58TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN:

THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature is excited to celebrate Lt. Janet Jo Jefferis McMeans Tompkins' 100th birthday in July.

THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature applauds her service to our nation during World War II and recognizes her as an Oklahoma and a national treasure.