81R6689 JKB-D
By: Pickett H.R. No. 467
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Words cannot express the sorrow felt at the loss of
Luis Vasquez, who passed away on January 24, 2009, at the age of 85;
and
WHEREAS, Born in El Paso on November 1, 1923, Luis Vasquez
moved to California at the age of 12 to live with his sister; he
answered his nation's call to duty during World War II by enlisting
in the U.S. Army and fought bravely in numerous European battles as
a member of the 858th Bomb Squad; he was awarded the Distinguished
Unit Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, and the European/African/Middle
Eastern Campaign Medal for his valiant service; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge from the army, Mr. Vasquez chose
to continue his military service by joining the U.S. Navy, and he
became a crew member on the USS Piedmont; his naval career brought
him additional commendations, including the Korean Ribbon, the
China Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the U.N. Ribbon; in
1953, he entered into civil service with the Army Air Defense Center
and held that position until retiring in 1984; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vasquez enjoyed the love and support of his
wife, the former Irene Gomez, and was the devoted father of four
children, Luis, Andres, Ana, and Daniel; the couple also had the
pleasure of welcoming 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren
into their family; Mr. Vasquez found great happiness in the time he
was able to spend with young people, serving eight years as a
scoutmaster and sharing his love of sports with his children and
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A man who devoted himself to serving his family and
his country, Luis Vasquez will be greatly missed, yet his memory
will be forever cherished by all those privileged to share in the
richness of his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Luis Vasquez and
extend sincere sympathy to his 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 Luis
Vasquez.