H.R. No. 3064
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Aviation Division of the Texas Department of
Transportation presented its inaugural Aviator of the Year Award to
Wayne Collins of Mineola at its 2008 Aviation Conference; and
WHEREAS, A Mineola native, Mr. Collins was instrumental in
establishing a new Wood County Airport in 1983, and he has been a
dynamic leader in efforts to develop and improve the facility
through the years; he has worked diligently to secure the
construction of a new parallel taxiway and a new terminal building,
the installation of an automated weather system, and the extension
of the runway to 4,000 feet; moreover, he initiated the popular
annual airport recognition day in acknowledgment of the airport's
importance to the whole community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Collins was born on August 10, 1924, and after
graduating from Mineola High School, he attended Rice Institute; he
served his country during World War II as a naval officer in the
Pacific theater and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve,
retiring as a captain; an astute businessman, he found success in
the retail industry, and although he later became active in
banking, he has remained a valued member of the Texas Retailers
Association, which has named him a Life Director; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his community, Mr. Collins has
participated in many endeavors to foster the prosperity of Mineola
and Wood County; he helped to establish the Mineola Industrial
Foundation and played a key role in moving the Wood County
Industrial Commission office to the airport, thereby enhancing the
commission's ability to promote the area to prospective businesses;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to achieving distinction in the
professional and civic arenas, Mr. Collins has earned membership in
Earthrounders by circumventing the globe in a light aircraft, a
feat he achieved not once but twice; he is also a skilled musician
who plays trombone in the Lake Country Orchestra; and
WHEREAS, Wayne Collins has demonstrated outstanding
leadership in aviation in Wood County, and his commitment to
furthering the progress of his community has contributed
immeasurably to its economic development; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Wayne Collins on his receipt of the
inaugural Aviator of the Year Award from the Aviation Division of
the Texas Department of Transportation and extend to him sincere
appreciation for his exceptional community service; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Collins as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Hughes
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 3064 was adopted by the House on June
1, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House