82R21605 MMS-D
By: Taylor of Collin H.R. No. 1266
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, April 2011 marks the eighth anniversary of the fall
of Baghdad to coalition troops, and this milestone provides a
fitting occasion to recognize the hundreds of thousands of U.S.
military personnel who helped to liberate Iraq from the tyranny of
Saddam Hussein and who have fought to help stabilize that country in
the difficult years that have followed; and
WHEREAS, Texans have long been supportive of all who serve in
the United States armed forces, and many of its own sons and
daughters have answered their country's call; as of January 2011,
more than 29,000 Texans in the active duty branches were serving in
Operation New Dawn, centered on Iraq, and Operation Enduring
Freedom, centered on Afghanistan; among these troops were more than
18,000 soldiers, over 4,000 airmen and airwomen, more than 3,500
sailors, and over 2,500 marines, in addition to approximately 3,000
members of the reserves; and
WHEREAS, Texas currently boasts the second-largest
population of veterans in the nation, with more than 1.7 million
vets residing in the Lone Star State; it is estimated that this
number includes over 111,000 veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom
and Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, To date, 19 Texans who have served in Iraq have been
accorded the Silver Star, the third-highest award for gallantry in
action, and one soldier has been awarded the Distinguished Service
Cross, the army's second-highest decoration for valor; and
WHEREAS, More than 4,000 servicemen and servicewomen have
given their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and its successor,
Operation New Dawn, and approximately 32,000 U.S. troops have been
wounded; the number of Texans who have died in the Iraq and
Afghanistan operations together currently stands at more than 520;
and
WHEREAS, America's mission overseas has demanded fortitude,
skill, and determination on the part of its military personnel, and
they have performed with exemplary dedication and professionalism;
their service stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of
this nation's armed forces; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to all Texans who have served in
Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn and extend to them profound
appreciation for their selfless endeavors in this country's behalf.