81R34200 JH-D
By: Madden H.R. No. 2303
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The family and friends of U.S. Army Second
Lieutenant Peter H. Burks of Dallas sustained a heavy loss with the
death of this courageous soldier in Iraq on November 14, 2007, at
the age of 26; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Burks was killed by an improvised
explosive device in Baghdad while serving as a member of the 4th
Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, which is based in Vilseck,
Germany; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 10, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia, Pete
Burks was the son of Jackie Merck and Alan Burks; he developed his
strong spiritual faith early in his life and graduated from Trinity
Christian Academy in 1999; and
WHEREAS, After beginning his college studies at the
University of Georgia, he transferred to Texas A&M University,
where he became a member of Pi Kappa Phi and served as a
sportswriter for the Battalion; he graduated with a bachelor's
degree in international studies and then held jobs as a tour guide
in Nice, France, and as an employee of the Dallas Cowboys, the
Dallas Desperados, and FC Dallas; in addition, he was very active in
the Young Life youth ministry organization; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated young man answered his nation's call
to duty in April 2006 and enlisted in the U.S. Army; he
distinguished himself in his training courses and developed into an
officer of great integrity and courage; given the role of a troop
leader in the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, he soon won the lasting
respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by a love of country and a desire to serve a
higher calling, Pete Burks embodied the highest ideals of the armed
services, and those who shared in his love and friendship will
forever treasure their memories of him; 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 Second
Lieutenant Peter H. Burks and extend deepest condolences to the
members of his family: to his mother, Jackie Merck; to his father,
Alan Burks; to his sisters, Ali, Sarah, and Georgia Burks; to his
brother, Zac Burks; to his fiancee, Melissa Haddad; to his
grandmother, Irene Merck; to his grandfather, Haskell Burks; to his
nephews, Oliver and Liam Denson; to his aunts and uncles, Brenda and
Jim Brooks, Laurie and Ivan Killen, Carlton and Bonnie Hays, Mike
and Susan Burks, and Tim Merck; 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 Second
Lieutenant Peter Burks.