H.R. No. 2319
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The family and friends of U.S. Army Specialist
Benjamin James Garrison of Houston suffered a great loss with his
death in Iraq on November 27, 2007, at the age of 25; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Garrison was a radio telephone operator
assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade
Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, New York; he
was killed in Amerli, Iraq, when his vehicle was struck by an
improvised explosive device; and
WHEREAS, This brave soldier enlisted in the army in March
2006 and completed his basic and advanced individual training at
Fort Benning, Georgia; in September 2007, he was deployed to Iraq,
where he earned the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service
Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, "B. J." Garrison graduated from Alief Elsik High
School in 2001 and attended Houston Community College; married to
his high school sweetheart, Carla, in May 2007, he was beloved by
his family and friends as a kindhearted and generous man; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Garrison exemplified the highest ideals
of the U.S. armed forces, and all Americans owe this outstanding
young Texan a profound debt of gratitude for his courageous efforts
in this country's behalf; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Specialist Benjamin
James Garrison and extend sincere condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife, Carla C. Garrison; to his parents, Edwin and
Martha Garrison; to his brother, Ronald Garrison; to his
grandmother, Sally Vanmater; to his grandfather, Chester Bunch; to
his uncles, Lester Garrison and his wife, Carrol, Keith Bunch, and
Matthew Bunch; to his aunt, Kathryn Lilly; 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 Benjamin
James Garrison.
Thibaut
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2319 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 21, 2009.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House