82R5535 JNC-D By: King of Parker H.R. No. 197 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The family and friends of United States Army Private First Class Austin Garrett Staggs suffered an immeasurable loss with the death of this valiant soldier on November 29, 2010, at the age of 19; and WHEREAS, Assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Private Staggs lost his life while bravely serving in Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, Born in Fort Worth to Kaye Jordan and Byram Staggs, Austin Staggs came of age in Weatherford, graduating from North Hills Private School in nearby Millsap; in his youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts and Young Marines, and he subsequently fulfilled a desire to serve his country when he joined the U.S. Army; and WHEREAS, Private Staggs was a beloved husband to Sheena Staggs and father to his son, Kallen; an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and horses, as well as music and games; after his military service, he hoped to return to Texas and pursue a career in police work; and WHEREAS, Americans owe a profound debt to our nation's servicemen and servicewomen, whose courageous efforts and enormous sacrifices are deserving of their fellow citizens' deepest respect and gratitude, and although the passing of Austin Staggs has left a void in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him, they will forever carry his memory close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Army Private First Class Austin Garrett Staggs and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Sheena Staggs; to his son, Kallen Garrett O'Neal; to his mother and stepfather, Kaye and Judd Jordan; to his father, Byram Staggs; to his half-siblings, Emily, B. J., and Sarah Staggs; to his stepbrothers, Judson and Jacob Jordan; 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 Private First Class Austin Garrett Staggs.