H.R. No. 1166 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The friends and family of U.S. Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris suffered an immeasurable loss with the death of this valiant young man, who was killed on April 6, 2008, while bravely serving his country in Iraq; and WHEREAS, Matthew Morris was a loving son and brother who was known for his energy, affability, and determination; he enjoyed video games and trying out new barbecue recipes and hoped to one day become a history teacher; and WHEREAS, Born on July 16, 1984, in Fairfax, Virginia, he attended Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia, where he earned an ROTC leadership award; he later attended Cedar Park High School and went on to score in the 90th percentile on each section of the General Educational Development test; and WHEREAS, Specialist Morris joined the army, serving with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in Balad; despite the dangerous nature of his work, he remained devoted to his mission, and the heroism he demonstrated in Iraq earned him the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the National Service Defense Medal, and several other decorations; and WHEREAS, Matthew Morris exemplified the highest ideals of the U.S. armed forces; although his passing has left a void in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him, they will forever carry memories of this heroic young man close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his parents, Lisa and Glenn Morris; to his brothers and sister, Cory, Katie, and Sam; to his fiance, Julia Richardson; to his grandparents, Nancy Jackson and Joane Walters; to his aunt, Diane Afflerbach; to his uncles, John and Brian Walters, and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Matthew Morris. Gattis ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1166 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 30, 2009. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House