83R11131 BPG-D
By: Bonnen of Galveston H.R. No. 937
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Eric Santos of Clear Lake has served our
nation with great distinction as a member of the United States Navy
and Navy Reserve, and he contributes significantly to his community
as a medical practitioner; and
WHEREAS, A board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Santos
graduated from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
School of Medicine in 1986 and completed an orthopedic residency
program at The University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals in
1991; he went on to participate in a one-year fellowship in spine
surgery in San Antonio and joined the National Naval Medical Center
in Bethesda, Maryland, on active duty as chief of spine surgery; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Santos transferred to the navy reserve in 1995
and became an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at The
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; for three years,
he served with the 4th Air Naval Gunfire and Liaison Company of the
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in West Palm Beach, Florida, and he
completed airborne training and graduated with distinction from the
navy's diving medical officer course; and
WHEREAS, In 1998, Dr. Santos established a private practice
in Clear Lake, but he continued to play a vital role in the reserve;
he was the undersea medical officer for NR Naval Special Warfare
Unit Two, based in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and subsequently the
battalion surgeon for the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion of the
marine corps in San Antonio; and
WHEREAS, Operation Iraqi Freedom occasioned a recall to
active duty in February 2003, and Dr. Santos deployed to Iraq as
battalion surgeon for the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, which
participated in combat operations as part of the 1st Marine
Expeditionary Force; he resumed his practice the following
September and continued to serve in the navy reserve as the
battalion surgeon for the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion and for the
4th Amphibious Assault Battalion of the marine corps in Tampa; and
WHEREAS, In October 2010, while assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 23rd Marines, as the battalion surgeon and officer in
charge of the naval detachment, Dr. Santos was again recalled to
active duty; he deployed for seven months to Helmand Province in
Afghanistan, where his battalion was involved in combat operations
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom under Regional Command
Southwest, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force; Dr. Santos coordinated
the medical care for more than 800 marines and sailors and was
involved in supporting medical care throughout the Task Force
Belleau Wood area of operations; and
WHEREAS, During his tour of duty in Afghanistan, this
courageous Texan participated in more than 20 classified missions
in remote locations; once, when a Marine in his convoy was
critically injured by an improvised explosive device, Dr. Santos
left his own vehicle and bravely crossed over 50 meters of terrain
not yet cleared of secondary IEDs in order to perform lifesaving
field surgery; he further advanced American goals by helping to
improve relations with local Afghans, who were grateful for the
skilled treatment he provided to the ailing granddaughter of an
influential village elder; and
WHEREAS, For his meritorious achievements in Afghanistan,
Dr. Santos was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal; his numerous
decorations also include the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action
Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, three Navy Meritorious Unit
Commendations, and two National Defense Service Medals; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ray Santos has set an inspiring example for
others through his selfless devotion to his country and to the
highest ideals of the medical profession, and it is indeed fitting
that he be recognized at this time; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Dr. Ray Eric Santos for his exceptional
service to the United States Navy and Navy Reserve and commend him
for his professional contributions to his community; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Santos as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.