84R25140 BK-D
By: Faircloth H.R. No. 2463
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Private First Class Wesley Robert Riggs of Baytown
died on May 17, 2005, at the age of 19, while bravely serving in
Iraq, but the spirit of this valiant young Texan continues to live
on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him; and
WHEREAS, Born in Baytown on August 16, 1985, Wesley Riggs was
the son of Gayle McDermott and Daniel Riggs; growing up on the Gulf
Coast, he enjoyed his time on the water fishing and rafting with his
friends, and he was noted for his love of camping, tinkering with
cars, mudding, and all things Southern; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Riggs went on to graduate from Barbers Hill High
School in 2003 and enlisted in the United States Army in February of
the following year; he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Stewart,
Georgia, and was ultimately deployed in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom; highly regarded for his strong work ethic and
dependability, he uplifted his comrades with his can-do attitude
when they faced particularly daunting challenges, and he had a
knack for orchestrating practical jokes; and
WHEREAS, Private Riggs was mortally wounded in Tikrit, Iraq,
after an improvised explosive device detonated near his position;
his loss left an immeasurable void in the lives of countless
friends, family, and fellow soldiers, and in tribute to his memory,
a scholarship fund has been established in his name; and
WHEREAS, Private Wesley Riggs was a remarkable young man who
answered the call to duty with courage and distinction, and for the
sacrifice he made in behalf of his country, the people of our state
and nation owe him a debt of remembrance that the passage of time
can never diminish; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life and service of Private
First Class Wesley Robert Riggs.