H.R. No. 904
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, For nearly half a century, former U.S. Army Sergeant
Francisco Barrientes has devoted his best efforts to his country
and his community, and he is truly deserving of special
recognition; and
WHEREAS, Born in Edinburg in 1947, Mr. Barrientes graduated
from high school and entered the U.S. Army in 1968; from January to
July 1969, he fought on behalf of his nation in Vietnam, where he
was wounded twice, the second time severely; during his deployment
to Vietnam he earned two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for
meritorious service in a combat zone, and he ended his military
service at the rank of sergeant; and
WHEREAS, After a long and difficult recovery from his
injuries, this brave Texan returned to Edinburg, where he has lived
a full and rich life with his wife, Martha, and their three
children, Leonel Eduardo, Jose Francisco, and Lucy Marie; and
WHEREAS, A man of profound religious faith, Mr. Barrientes
has been a leading member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Edinburg
since 1971; over the years, he has coordinated the altar services
and catechism classes and helped the priest oversee the church's
various programs and events; and
WHEREAS, Francisco Barrientes has likewise dedicated more
than 21,000 hours of volunteer service to the Edinburg Independent
School District, working with students in groups or individually,
helping with PTA fund-raising events, and assisting with myriad
campus tasks, as well as taking part in the district's Veterans Day
programs; in addition, he has given freely of his time and energies
to the Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department and the Edinburg
Pony Baseball League; and
WHEREAS, Repeatedly honored for his work, Mr. Barrientes has
been awarded a certificate of recognition from the Texas House of
Representatives, and he has been named a Hero for Children by the
Texas State Board of Education; in 2007, the Edinburg ISD named
Francisco Barrientes Middle School in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Committed to the belief that he was permitted to
survive the war in Vietnam for a reason, Francisco Barrientes has
triumphed over injury and hardship to lead a fulfilling and
purposeful life dedicated to his family, his faith, and his
community, and he has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to
all who know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commend former U.S. Army Sergeant Francisco
Barrientes for his outstanding, lifelong record of service to his
nation and his community and extend to him sincere best wishes for
continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Barrientes as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Canales
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 904 was adopted by the House on March
19, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House