81R2849 JGH-D
By: Cook H.R. No. 2313
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Words cannot express the sorrow felt over the loss
of U.S. Army Specialist Heath Pickard of Frankston, who died in the
line of duty in Iraq on October 16, 2008, at the age of 21; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division,
Specialist Pickard was killed during a mortar attack in Baquaba,
Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Heath Kayne Quinton Pickard was born on September
18, 1987, in Athens; he attended Frankston High School, where he
played varsity football and baseball and performed with the Indian
Marching Band; and
WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty shortly after
graduation in 2006, Specialist Pickard received his basic training
at Fort Benning, Georgia; he was stationed at Fort Wainwright,
Alaska, and deployed to Iraq on his 21st birthday; he has been
posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Pickard impressed all who knew him with
his energy, enthusiasm, and good humor; he was a devoted husband to
his wife, Sara, and a proud father to his young son, Ethan; and
WHEREAS, Through his dedication to duty, honor, and country,
Heath Pickard embodied the highest ideals of the armed forces;
although his death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew
and loved him, they may take comfort in their memories of this fine
young man who gave his life in service to his country; 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
Heath Pickard and extend sincere condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife, Sara Pickard; to his son, Ethan Pickard; to his
grandmother, Margaret Pickard; to his brothers, Chance Pickard and
Austin Pickard; and to his other relatives and 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 Specialist
Heath Pickard.