H.R. No. 3094
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, George Calanche is retiring from the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice in August 2015, drawing to a close a
notable career in the service of his nation and his state that has
spanned more than four decades; and
WHEREAS, Born in El Paso in 1951, George Valdez Calanche
joined the U.S. Army in August 1974 and served in artillery units
for over 20 years as a cannon crewmember; for 12 of those years, he
also served as a reenlistment NCO and recruiter, earning
recognition from his commanding officers for his sterling
performance in that position; his commendations include four Army
Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, six Army Good
Conduct Medals, and two National Defense Service Medals; he retired
from the army in February 1995, at the rank of sergeant first class;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Calanche began his career with the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice in December 1996, when he joined the
staff of Rogelio Sanchez State Jail in El Paso; during his years
with the jail, he has received the TDCJ Executive Order of Merit, as
well as a TDCJ Certificate of Merit for his 10 years of volunteer
service as a qualified Spanish interpreter; he has also been
recognized as Employee of the Month, and he has been nominated for
the International Association of Correctional Officers
Correctional Officer of the Year award; and
WHEREAS, In addition to going above and beyond in carrying
out his professional responsibilities, Mr. Calanche has generously
given of his time and energy in behalf of a number of worthy causes;
he has vigorously promoted the State Employee Charitable Campaign,
and he has supported the Special Olympics by organizing
fund-raisers and by participating in the Special Olympics
Organizational Day Barbecue and Softball Tournament and in the Law
Enforcement Torch Run; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Calanche is also beloved for the effort he makes
to provide assistance and comfort to his coworkers and the inmates
under his care; he has served on the Post Trauma Staff Support team,
and he regularly organizes celebrations for birthdays,
retirements, and holidays; he often provides emotional and
financial support to families in need, and he is always ready with a
warm smile or a hug or words of encouragement; and
WHEREAS, George Calanche's dedication, professionalism, and
compassionate spirit have greatly benefited the functioning of
Rogelio Sanchez State Jail and earned him the respect and
admiration of his peers, and he may indeed reflect with pride on a
career well-spent as he leaves the institution he has served so
well; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commend George Valdez Calanche for his service
in the U.S. Army and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and
extend to him sincere best wishes for his retirement; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Calanche as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Moody
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 3094 was adopted by the House on May
30, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House