82R11478 RYA-D
By: Martinez Fischer H.R. No. 938
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The retirement of Erwin J. De Luna of San Antonio
from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on March 31,
2011, draws to a close 21 years of distinguished service with the
State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with the commission, Mr. De Luna
has helped to administer a number of programs that contribute to the
health and well-being of Texas residents; he joined the Texas
Department of Human Resources as a Medicaid eligibility specialist
on March 5, 1990, and in 1994, he was promoted to the post of
supervisor with the Long Term Care Program of the Texas Department
of Human Services; while in that role, he assisted in the creation
of the Long Term Care Certification and Screener Unit and served on
the Medicaid Eligibility Technical Advisory Committee; Mr. De Luna
is retiring as a fair hearings officer with the legal services
division of the Health and Human Services Commission, a position he
has held since 2005; and
WHEREAS, Erwin De Luna is of Navajo and Taos Pueblo ancestry,
and he has worked hard to preserve the heritage and traditions of
Native Americans; he serves as president of the board of directors
for the United San Antonio Pow Wow, which holds a featured event at
Fiesta San Antonio, and he is a charter member of the National
Museum of the American Indian, as well as a member of the Texas
Indian Hobbyist Association; moreover, he has served on numerous
community panels regarding American Indian issues, and he has sat
on the boards of the San Antonio Council of Native Americans and the
Intertribal Council of American Indians; and
WHEREAS, A model of civic engagement, Mr. De Luna serves on
the board of directors for the Fiesta San Antonio Commission and the
Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association and holds membership in the San
Antonio Conservation Society; in addition, he works as a mentor to
young people, volunteering his time with the Boys and Girls Clubs of
San Antonio and with the Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of
America; a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association, he
has received many awards for his efforts in behalf of the Boy
Scouts, including the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver
Award, the Scoutmaster Award of Merit, and the St. George Emblem;
among his other honors is the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal,
which he received in 2003 in recognition of his contributions to the
U.S. Army; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. De Luna enjoys the love
and support of Rose Mary De Luna, his wife of 40 years; they have
been blessed with two daughters, Katherine and Patricia, as well as
five grandchildren, Stephanie, Allison, Andrew, Matthew, and
Madison; and
WHEREAS, Erwin De Luna's dedication, professionalism, and
commitment to excellence have greatly benefited the citizens of our
state, and he may indeed reflect with pride on a career well spent
as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Erwin J. De Luna on the occasion of
his retirement from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission
and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness and
fulfillment; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. De Luna as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.