SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 37
WHEREAS, Donald Thompson of Weslaco served his country
with great honor and distinction throughout his 24 years in the
United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, After joining the military in 1963, Don Thompson
completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and went on
to student course training at Sheppard AFB with the 3772nd School
Squadron; he served in the Vietnam War, and one of his most
harrowing experiences occurred on a reconnaissance flight over
Ho Chi Minh Trail; the autopilot was engaged at 30,000 feet while
the pilot and copilot slept and the crew was occupied listening
intently for enemy trucks and tanks; no one immediately noticed
when the wings and fuselage began to ice up, and the aircraft
suddenly plunged 6,500 feet, pinning Mr. Thompson in place;
fortunately, the pilot was able to regain control at 13,500 feet
and none of the crew was injured; they continued with their
mission, but both wings of the plane later had to be replaced; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson's international deployments also
included time in Taiwan and at Lajes Field in the Azores;
stateside, he was stationed at Offutt AFB in Nebraska, Kincheloe
AFB in Michigan, Lockbourne AFB in Ohio, and Little Rock AFB in
Arkansas; among numerous commendations, he received the Air
Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, the Military Education
Graduate Ribbon with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Air Force
Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster,
and the National Defense Service Medal; he attained the rank of
master sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement in 1987, Mr. Thompson
worked as a loadmaster instructor; on June 6, 2023, he
participated in an Honor Flight for veterans in St. Louis,
Missouri; he is supported in all his endeavors by the love and
encouragement of his wife, Mary, and they are the proud parents
of three children; and
WHEREAS, Don Thompson set an inspiring example through
nearly a quarter century of dedicated service as a member of the
nation's armed forces, and his fellow citizens owe him a lasting
debt of gratitude; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby honor Donald Thompson
for his long career in the United States Air Force 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. Thompson as an expression of high regard from
the Texas Senate.
LaMantia
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on June 21, 2023.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate