H.R. No. 148
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Don Pettigrew of Gainesville has rendered exemplary
service to the Medal of Honor Host City program; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Bowie High School Class of 1968,
Mr. Pettigrew answered his nation's call to duty during the Vietnam
War, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps and serving as a rifleman
for two years; decorated with the Purple Heart, the Navy
Commendation Medal with "V" device, and the Combat Action Ribbon,
he received several service and campaign medals and unit citations
as well; and
WHEREAS, After returning to civilian life, Mr. Pettigrew
earned a bachelor's degree from North Texas State University, and
in 1985 he became an adult probation officer with the Cooke County
Community Supervision and Corrections Department; during his
21-year tenure with that agency, he also served as the community
service coordinator, overseeing the CSCD work crew and assisting
with a number of significant projects to enhance and benefit the
community; in addition, he played a vital role in planning and
setting up the CSCD Food Bank; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pettigrew has further contributed to his
community through his extensive involvement in the Medal of Honor
Host City program; he was the driving force behind the creation of
the program, which was organized in 2001 and which is the only
undertaking of its kind in the country; each year, recipients of the
Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award for valor, are
invited to Gainesville for a celebration that pays tribute to their
heroism and that enables area residents to meet and visit with the
honorees; activities are planned with a special view to giving
children an opportunity to hear from, and talk with, these
inspiring figures; Mr. Pettigrew served as the program's inaugural
president for seven years, and today he works as a liaison to the
featured guests; he also guided the construction of the Medal of
Honor Park, which was dedicated in April 2015; and
WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his community and his country,
Don Pettigrew has been instrumental in establishing this annual
occasion saluting the most gallant members and veterans of this
country's armed forces, and he has helped to instill the ideals of
patriotism, selflessness, and service in Gainesville's rising
generation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Don Pettigrew on
his outstanding work in behalf of the Medal of Honor Host City
program and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Pettigrew as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Springer
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 148 was adopted by the House on August
15, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House