H.R. No. 2517
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The family and friends of United States Army
Specialist Rodney L. McCandless sustained a devastating loss with
the death of this courageous soldier on April 7, 2007, at the age of
21; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg,
North Carolina, Specialist McCandless was killed by an improvised
explosive device in Zaganiyah, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Rodney McCandless joined the army in August 2005 and
subsequently completed advanced individual training and the basic
airborne course; he was a highly decorated soldier who received the
Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal
with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the
Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, and the
Parachutist Badge; and
WHEREAS, Our state and nation are fortunate to have men and
women whose love for their country inspires them to volunteer for
military service, yet the tragic death of this brave young man is a
sobering reminder of the cost of war; Specialist McCandless
embodied the highest ideals of the U.S. armed forces, and those who
knew and loved him will forever carry him 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 U.S. Army Specialist
Rodney L. McCandless and extend deepest sympathy to the members of
his family: to his father, Virgil L. McCandless; to his mother,
Rhonda L. Cones; to his sister, Chassity McCandless; 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 U.S. Army
Specialist Rodney McCandless.
Otto
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2517 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 24, 2009.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House