H.C.R. No. 65
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The distinguished tenure of an admired teacher and
scholar drew to a close with the retirement on January 9, 2009, of
Dr. James R. Reckner as a professor of history at Texas Tech
University; and
WHEREAS, Before beginning his career in education, Dr.
Reckner served in the U.S. Navy for two decades; during his years in
uniform, he completed two tours of combat duty in the Vietnam War,
earning the Bronze Star Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal, both
with Combat "V" designations, as well as the Meritorious Service
Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and other honors; he
earned his Ph.D. from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and
joined the faculty at Texas Tech in 1988; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, Dr. Reckner founded the Vietnam Center and
Archive at Texas Tech, one of the largest collections outside the
U.S. National Archives of materials related to the Vietnam War, and
has guided its development in his position as director; in
addition, he became the founder and executive director of Texas
Tech's Institute for Modern Conflict, Diplomacy, and
Reconciliation in 2007 and has served on the Secretary of the Navy's
Advisory Subcommittee on Naval History since 1998; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan has published several books and
articles on naval history, including Teddy Roosevelt's Great White
Fleet, for which he received the Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt
Annual Naval History Award, and A Sailor's Log: Water Tender
Frederick T. Wilson, USN, on Asiatic Station, 1899-1901; his
teaching and leadership abilities have been honored with numerous
awards, and he has also been the recipient of a number of accolades
that salute his prominent position in the Lubbock community; and
WHEREAS, James Reckner has helped inspire a deeper
understanding of important events in our nation's history, and he
may reflect with great pride on his myriad contributions to Texas
Tech University; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby honor Dr. James R. Reckner on his retirement from Texas Tech
University and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Reckner as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.
Isett
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 65 was adopted by the House on March
5, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 65 was adopted by the Senate on May
18, 2009, by a viva-voce vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor