81R24005 MDM-D
By: Truitt H.R. No. 1486
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Rodney Smith of Grapevine was named the 2008 Senior
Fest Veteran of the Year by the Women's Division of the Grapevine
Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, In 1951, Mr. Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army and
began his basic training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; he attained
the permanent rank of E-6 in less than two years and reached a
temporary rank of E-9; this dedicated soldier served his entire
military career with the 7th Army, 77th AAA Division, 7th AAA
Battalion, C Company, attached to the 25th Infantry Division; he
worked as a communications chief and a fire director with ground
support to the navy and air force; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith earned numerous commendations during his
years in uniform, among them the Good Conduct Medal with clusters,
the American Campaign Medal, the American Defense Commemorative
Medal, and the National Defense Medal; his assignments took him
around the world, and he spent time in the Philippines, Japan, South
Korea, Germany, and many other locales both stateside and abroad
before his retirement at the age of 56; and
WHEREAS, Since concluding his military career, Mr. Smith has
been active in veterans organizations and is a life member of the
American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled
American Veterans; in all of his endeavors, he has enjoyed the
support of his wife of more than 50 years, Peggy, and the devoted
couple have been blessed with three daughters, seven grandchildren,
and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Americans owe a debt of gratitude to those who have
answered the nation's call to duty, and it is indeed a pleasure to
recognize Rodney Smith for his years of valiant service, for his
personal sacrifice, and for his enduring patriotism; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Rodney Smith on being named the
2008 Senior Fest Veteran of the Year by the Women's Division of the
Grapevine Chamber of Commerce and extend to him sincere best wishes
for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Smith as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.