H.R. No. 1167
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately convey the heartache felt at
the loss of U.S. Marine First Lieutenant Matthew R. Vandegrift, who
died on April 21, 2008, at the age of 28, while bravely serving his
country; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment,
2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Lieutenant
Vandegrift was killed during combat operations in Basra, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, A former resident of the Steiner Ranch community in
Austin, he attended Leander High School, where he was a member of
the football team; he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from
Texas A&M University and was later commissioned through Officer
Candidate School; and
WHEREAS, Americans owe a profound debt to our nation's
servicemen and servicewomen, whose courageous efforts and enormous
sacrifices are deserving of their fellow citizens' deepest respect
and gratitude; and
WHEREAS, Exemplifying the highest ideals of the U.S. armed
forces, Matt Vandegrift inspired others with his fortitude,
tenacity, and courage; although his death has left a void in the
lives of his loved ones, 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 Lieutenant Matthew R.
Vandegrift and extend sincerest sympathy to all those who mourn his
passing; 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 Matt
Vandegrift.
Gattis
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1167 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on April 30, 2009.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House