83S10793 BPG-D
By: Flynn H.R. No. 251
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Colonel (Ret.) Kimberly Olson, chief executive
officer of Grace After Fire, has contributed immeasurably to the
well-being of female combat veterans; and
WHEREAS, A member of the first generation of female pilots in
the United States Air Force, Colonel Olson helped change
perceptions of women in the military over the course of a career
spanning 25 years; in her current role, she assists fellow veterans
in making successful transitions from the armed forces to civilian
life; and
WHEREAS, Grace After Fire facilitates access to health and
support services, sponsors retreats for veterans and their
families, and hosts a peer-to-peer outreach, "Color Me Camo," that
is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services; under
the leadership of Colonel Olson, the organization has worked to aid
more than 2,000 women in overcoming PTSD, traumatic brain injury,
and other challenges resulting from their service to our country;
she also advocates frequently for public policy that benefits
female veterans, and she provided key testimony before the Texas
Veterans Commission, which decided to create a program to assist
female veterans in obtaining support services at the federal,
state, and community levels; and
WHEREAS, Through her dedication to the mission of Grace After
Fire, Colonel Olson is making a positive difference in the lives of
female veterans and their families, and it is indeed fitting to
honor her for her far-reaching accomplishments; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Colonel (Ret.)
Kimberly Olson for her achievements as chief executive officer of
Grace After Fire and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued
success in her important endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Colonel Olson as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.