H.R. No. 358
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow caused by
the loss of United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Joshua
Michael Snowden of Dallas, who died while serving his country on
July 10, 2017, at the age of 31; and
WHEREAS, The son of Gay Hayslett and Michael Snowden, Josh
Snowden, who was also known as "Snow" by his many friends, was born
in Abilene on July 22, 1985; he grew up in the Dallas area and played
lacrosse as a student at Highland Park High School; following
graduation in 2004, he decided to defer college for a while and
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve; he subsequently
continued his education at Texas State University, where he played
on the men's lacrosse team; and
WHEREAS, After completing his bachelor's degree in 2010,
Staff Sergeant Snowden embarked on a career in the military; he was
called to active duty in July 2012 and became a flight instructor
and engineer for KC-130T model planes; deployed twice to Iraq, he
earned 16 medals and awards, including the Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal; while based with his squadron at Stewart Air
National Guard Base in Orange County, in New York, he demonstrated
pride in his Texas roots by maintaining a wardrobe full of Dallas
Cowboys jerseys, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and Texas flag
button-down shirts; and
WHEREAS, In his spare time, Josh Snowden enjoyed grilling
steaks, working on his truck, and listening to Texas country music,
preferably all at the same time; over the years, he brightened the
days of everyone he encountered with his irresistible smile, joyous
sense of humor, and wonderful gift for storytelling; this
great-hearted young man was sustained by a strong religious faith,
and he was a valued member of the Church of the Incarnation; and
WHEREAS, Josh Snowden was deeply devoted to his friends and
his family, whose members included, in addition to his mother and
his father, his "second father," Rick Hayslett, his sister, Sara,
his brothers, Drew, Tyler, Greg, and Bryan, and an older brother,
Eric, who predeceased him; and
WHEREAS, Serving with honor, courage, and dedication, Josh
Snowden embodied the highest ideals of the United States armed
forces, and he will be forever cherished by those who were
privileged to share in his love and affection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Staff Sergeant Joshua Michael Snowden and extend sincere
condolences to his loved ones and to all those who mourn his
passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of U.S. Marine
Corps Staff Sergeant Joshua Michael Snowden.
Meyer
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 358 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on August 15, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House