SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 601
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
join Texans across the state in celebrating the 100th anniversary
of the 111th Attack Squadron, Texas Air National Guard; and
WHEREAS, The 111th Attack Squadron was created in 1917 when
the United States Department of War authorized the Texas National
Guard to establish an aviation squadron; originally known as the
111th Aero Squadron and reconstituted in Houston as the 111th
Observation Squadron, the unit provided mapping, photography,
and reconnaissance support for the 36th Infantry Division, Texas
Army National Guard; and
WHEREAS, In 1933, Lieutenant Earl Showalter designed a
livery for the squadron with a distinctive "Ace in the Hole"
insignia signifying the squadron's ability to always win in
battle; it was a large lone star reflecting its Texas heritage
and utilized a black and white color scheme to represent the
state's economic mainstays of oil and cotton; and
WHEREAS, Shortly before the United States entered World
War II, the squadron took part in the Louisiana Maneuvers, the
first peacetime war games between two field armies in American
history; during the war, the squadron played an important role in
Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa; and
WHEREAS, The unit was redesignated the 111th
Reconnaissance Squadron, and during the war on terror, the
squadron reached a milestone of 3,000 consecutive combat days,
was named the United States Air Force 2011 Intelligence Unit of
the Year, and was the home unit to the 432nd Air Expeditionary
Wing's 2013 Sensor Operator of the Year and the 2015 Mission
Intelligence Coordinator of the Year; it has also been at the
forefront of Predator aircraft deployments in the Baltic region
of Europe; and
WHEREAS, The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron was
redesignated as the 111th Attack Squadron upon its conversion to
operate the MQ-9 Reaper, and it has played an integral role in the
defense of our country for 100 years; it is truly fitting that the
unit receive special recognition in honor of this milestone in
its history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby commend the 111th Attack Squadron, Texas Air
National Guard, on its illustrious history and extend to its
members best wishes for a memorable 100th anniversary
celebration; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
squadron as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Taylor of Galveston
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 10, 2017.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate