SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1003 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Captain William R. Kern III for his exemplary achievements; and WHEREAS, Captain Kern was a Galveston-Texas City pilot for 14 years, working the waters of Galveston County with skill, dedication, and professionalism; and WHEREAS, A third-generation Merchant Marine captain and second-generation ship pilot, he conducted countless ship transits without incident and was greeted with relief by ship captains, who knew that their vessel was safe in his capable hands; United States Navy commanders requested him by name; and WHEREAS, Captain Kern gained his early experience as a teenager, working as a line handler and deckhand in the Panama Canal Zone, where his father was a canal pilot; he later worked on tankers and freighters all over the world before becoming a tug boat captain on the Houston Ship Channel; and WHEREAS, Captain Kern served as an unofficial goodwill ambassador for Texas through his obvious love for his profession, his unfailingly friendly and respectful demeanor, and his skill as a mariner; he is truly deserving of recognition for his outstanding accomplishments; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Captain William R. Kern III on his legacy of excellence and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Taylor ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 17, 2013. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate