SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 636
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the Special Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) of
the Texas Army National Guard for its exceptional service; and
WHEREAS, This elite unit is composed of members of the
United States Army Special Forces, or Green Berets, along with
other soldiers who are expert in the fields necessary to
successfully complete its mission, including intelligence,
logistics, communications, medicine, and law; the detachment is
commanded by Colonel Douglas K. O'Connell, who is ably supported
by his senior enlisted leader, Command Sergeant Major Benjamin
Bitonel Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Over the last three years, the detachment has been
working to aid African governments in countering the growing
threat on the African continent of such violent extremist
organizations as Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State in
Iraq and Syria; soldiers from the unit have deployed to countries
across Africa, where they have helped the military forces of our
nation's partner countries enhance their counterterrorism
capabilities, so that those forces are better able to deal with
the threats and prevent their escalation; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated men and women of the Special
Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) have demonstrated
exceptional courage, professionalism, and determination in
working to ensure the safety and security of the United States
and its allies, and it is truly fitting that they receive special
recognition for their efforts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby commend the members of the Special
Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) on their steadfast
devotion to duty and extend to them best wishes for success in
their vital mission; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the unit as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Watson
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 27, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate