H.R. No. 696
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, United States Air Force veteran Robert Ross of Waco
has been featured in the Waco Tribune-Herald as one of its Voices of
Valor; and
WHEREAS, A native of Gowanda, New York, Mr. Ross joined the
U.S. Army Air Force in 1942, at the age of 18; after earning his
pilot's wings in January 1944, he flew armed photographic and
combat missions with the 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in
the Pacific during World War II; initially assigned to the
Philippines, he later relocated to the island of Ie Shima, and in
one of his final flights of the conflict, he photographed the
Japanese city of Nagasaki the day after it had been destroyed in the
war's second atomic bomb blast; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ross eventually left active duty to pursue his
education on the G.I. Bill and joined the New York National Guard;
his unit was called up at the time of the Korean War, during which he
was stationed in Niagara Falls and Fairbanks, Alaska; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, Mr. Ross retired as a lieutenant colonel
after a 28-year military career, which included flying 115
missions; this decorated veteran earned the Distinguished Flying
Cross and three Air Medals for his exemplary service, and he went on
to work for the Veterans Administration for 23 years; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Ross enjoyed the love and
support of his wife, Margaret, with whom he shared his life for more
than 70 years before her passing in 2016; together, the couple had
the pleasure of watching their family grow to include three
children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Through his bravery and devotion to our nation,
Robert Ross fulfilled the highest ideals of the United States armed
forces, and his fellow citizens owe him a lasting debt of gratitude
for his contributions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Robert Ross on being recognized as
one of the Voices of Valor by the Waco Tribune-Herald and honor him
for his exemplary service to his country; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Ross as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Anderson of McLennan
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 696 was adopted by the House on March
16, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House