ENROLLED
2019 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 218
BY REPRESENTATIVE CREWS
A RESOLUTION
To commend Autry Lowry for his accomplishments.
WHEREAS, Autry Lowry has been a firefighter for seventeen years; a firefighter at
Benton Fire District #4, Autry is also president of Local 4015; and
WHEREAS, due to an injury and resulting extensive neck surgery, and subsequent
studies, four more surgeries, and horrific pain, Autry experienced traumatic stress; he
withdrew at work and at home, inadvertently alienating colleagues and family members; and
WHEREAS, during a leave of absence after his final surgery, Autry's younger
daughter took up archery; he and Maddie often visited the local archery shop in the evenings
to practice shooting; and
WHEREAS, Autry found purpose in this new activity which he and his daughter
shared and bonded over; he began volunteering with Maddie's archery team at Benton
Elementary School; he particularly wanted to help out one of Maddie's classmates who
participated in archery but needed a little extra guidance because of her cerebral palsy; and
WHEREAS, when Autry started helping young Rylie Duos, she was sitting down to
shoot; Autry went to the drawing board and designed a bow stand for her; it was a work in
progress for a while, as he observed how she used it, what worked for her with it, and he
would take it home to tweak it after practices; he did this until the bow stand was just right
for Rylie; and
WHEREAS, helping Maddie and Rylie and their teammates at Benton Elementary
helped get Autry out of the depression he had been in; the mentee became the mentor as
Autry saw clearly that if Rylie did not let obstacles stop her from living life to the fullest, nor
should he; and
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WHEREAS, Autry resolved to seek professional help through the International
Association of Firefighters Center of Excellence, a rehabilitation and treatment center for
firefighters in Maryland; there he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and depression; resistant to such a diagnosis at first, Autry eventually accepted his condition;
and
WHEREAS, Autry had previously associated PTSD with service members, but now
understands it can affect many people, including first responders such as himself; he is now
a huge advocate for mental and behavioral health services and for people seeking out help
when they need it; and
WHEREAS, he is passionate and vocal about PTSD, but as he continues his healing
process, he still finds helping the archery team rewarding and fulfilling.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Autry Lowry for his accomplishments; does
hereby recognize and record for posterity his ability to overcome obstacles; and does hereby
wish him every measure of happiness and success in his future.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Autry
Lowry.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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