83R28407 JGH-D
By: Farney H.C.R. No. 198
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor was established
to recognize gallant and intrepid service by a member of the state
or federal military forces, and U.S. Army Second Lieutenant Darryn
Deen Andrews proved himself a deserving recipient of this
prestigious award; and
WHEREAS, Born in Ogden, Utah, on July 3, 1975, Darryn Andrews
grew up in Cameron and graduated from C. H. Yoe High School, where
he played on the football, baseball, and basketball teams, served
on the student council, and participated in the UIL one-act play
competition; he went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business from
Texas Tech University and a master's degree in education
administration from Texas State University; and
WHEREAS, Ever since he was a child, Lieutenant Andrews had
hoped to serve his nation with the same dedication with which his
grandfather had served during World War II, and after the events of
9/11, he tried three times to enlist; the first two attempts were
ended by medical problems, but on his third attempt, he was
accepted, and in 2004, he proudly joined the U.S. Army, intending
to make the military his career; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute
Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th
Infantry Division, out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, Lieutenant
Andrews was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in
September 2009 when his unit was attacked with an improvised
explosive device and a rocket-propelled grenade; with no thought
for his own safety, Lieutenant Andrews tackled three of his
comrades to protect them from being hit; he died of the wounds he
incurred in that act of selfless courage; and
WHEREAS, Through his patriotism and determination to serve
his country, Lieutenant Andrews had already distinguished himself
as an exemplary soldier, but in the end it was his willingness to
sacrifice himself for his brothers-in-arms that revealed his true
heroism and showed the strength of his warrior's heart; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby direct the governor of the State of Texas to posthumously
award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to Second Lieutenant
Darryn Deen Andrews in recognition of his valiant service during
Operation Enduring Freedom.