H.R. No. 2090
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The tragic death of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa
Guillén on April 22, 2020, at the age of 20, shocked and saddened
countless people across the state and nation, and it is indeed
appropriate to reflect on her life and legacy on the occasion of
Vanessa Guillén Day on September 30, 2021; and
WHEREAS, A native of Houston, Vanessa Guillén was born on
September 30, 1999, to Rogelio and Gloria Guillén, and she grew up
with the companionship of five siblings, Mayra, Yovana, Guadalupe,
Manuel, and Roger; she excelled as both a student and an athlete at
Cesar Chavez High School, and her desire to serve her country
inspired her to enlist in the United States Army when she was 18
years old; only a few days after she graduated from high school, she
began her career in the military and entered basic training; and
WHEREAS, First stationed in South Carolina and then in
Virginia, Specialist Guillén was later assigned to Fort Hood as a
small arms/artillery repairer with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment; she
was recognized for her dedication to duty with the Army
Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the
Army Service Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, Vanessa Guillén went missing from her post on April
22, 2020, and on June 30 her body was discovered; in the
investigation that followed, law enforcement identified a fellow
soldier as the prime suspect in her murder, and it was also revealed
that Specialist Guillén was planning to formally accuse the man of
sexual harassment; this turn of events inspired many current and
former members of the U.S. military, including those who had
experienced sexual harassment and sexual assault, to stand in
solidarity with Specialist Guillén, and they were joined by
countless members of the general public; and
WHEREAS, The death of Specialist Guillén has focused
attention on the current laws and policies regarding sexual
harassment in the military; in an effort to achieve meaningful
change in the wake of this tragedy, the I am Vanessa Guillén Act was
introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan
support; if the legislation becomes law, it would mandate a
comprehensive reform of the military's procedures for handling
sexual harassment allegations; in Texas, House Concurrent
Resolution 51 was filed during the 87th Legislative Session to urge
Congress to pass the act; and
WHEREAS, Although Vanessa Guillén's senseless death is a
source of profound sadness, her spirit lives on in the hearts of her
loved ones and all those who are fighting for justice in her name;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize September 30, 2021, as Vanessa Guillén
Day and pay tribute to her memory.
Neave
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2090 was adopted by the House on May
31, 2021, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House