85R21749 KID-D
By: Hughes S.C.R. No. 49
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, U.S. Air Force Captain Robert Russell Barnett was
laid to rest at the Texas State Cemetery on April 7, 2017, the 51st
anniversary of the day that he was killed in action during the
Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, A member of the 8th Bomber Squadron, Captain Barnett
was flying a classified mission when his aircraft was shot down over
Laos in 1966; it was nearly 40 years before the U.S. military was
able to locate the crash site and 50 before his body was recovered;
thanks to the dedicated and exhaustive work of those who took part
in this effort, he is now able to be buried with full military
honors in the state and country he loved; and
WHEREAS, The son of Robert and Zelma Barnett, Russell Barnett
was born on October 5, 1933, and raised in Gladewater; he graduated
from Gladewater High School, where he played for the Bears football
team; his skill on the gridiron earned him a football scholarship to
Baylor University, and after completing his degree there, he
enlisted in the U.S. Air Force; flying under the call sign "Bear,"
his nickname, he served 10 years in the air force and was proud to be
fighting to protect our freedoms; when he passed away at age 32, he
left behind two cherished daughters, Donna and Debra; and
WHEREAS, Captain Russell Barnett served with honor, courage,
and patriotism, embodying the highest ideals of the United States
armed forces, and his fellow citizens owe him a debt of gratitude
and remembrance that the passage of time can never diminish; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay special tribute to the memory of Captain Robert Russell
Barnett and extend to his loved ones sincere condolences for the
loss of this valiant Texan; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate and House of
Representatives adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Captain
Russell Barnett.