82R14554 JNC-D
By: Castro H.R. No. 818
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Our friend and colleague, the Honorable Joe Farias
of San Antonio, celebrated his 65th birthday on March 13, 2011; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of House District 118, Joe
Farias served this nation in the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S.
Army; returning home, he joined City Public Service in San Antonio
as a machinist, and, after a notable 32-year career with the
municipal utility, he retired as a supervisor of the technical
training section in 2003; and
WHEREAS, This knowledgeable civic leader has served on the
boards of the Harlandale Independent School District and the San
Antonio Zoning Commission, and he has further given back to his
community in myriad ways, from coaching Little League to hosting
fund-raisers to help those in need; and
WHEREAS, Representative Farias has been a strong advocate for
working Texans since joining the house in 2007; during his tenure,
he has advocated for legislation to assist members of the armed
forces and their families, to help increase the number of young
Texans benefiting from the Children's Health Insurance Program, and
to study an initiative to more effectively reduce juvenile crime;
recognized for his outstanding efforts, he was named Freshman of
the Year by the Mexican American Legislative Caucus; and
WHEREAS, In the 81st Legislative Session, Representative
Farias helped to create and then chaired the Texas Veterans Caucus,
an organization of legislators who work together to support
pro-veteran legislation, such as expanding college tuition
benefits to spouses of veterans who were killed or disabled in
action; in addition, he was a leader in the effort to recognize
Texas A&M University--San Antonio as a stand-alone campus; and
WHEREAS, Now in his third term, Representative Farias serves
on the House Committees of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Elections,
Local and Consent Calendars, and Rules and Resolutions; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, he enjoys the love and
support of his wife of nearly four decades, Angie, and his sons,
Gabe, Joey, Jaime, and Daniel; and
WHEREAS, Joe Farias has proven himself to be a man of
conviction and character, and his birthday provides an opportune
time to honor him for his many good works; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Honorable Joe Farias on his
65th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Representative Farias as an expression of high regard
by the Texas House of Representatives.