2025S0197-1 03/07/25
By: Nichols S.R. No. 240
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson Jr. on his lifelong
dedication to the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation and his
unwavering commitment to public service; and
WHEREAS, Born into a proud legacy of leadership as the son
of the late Mikko Skalaaba Herbert Johnson Sr. and Deloris
Johnson, Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson is a Second Chief and a
member of the Deer Clan of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
who has devoted himself to preserving and strengthening his
tribe; after graduating from Big Sandy High School, he attended
Lon Morris College on a baseball scholarship and studied early
childhood education at Angelina College; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson began his career in public service as
a teacher assistant at the Alabama-Coushatta Head Start; he
completed firefighter training at the Texas A&M Extension
Service Fire School, and for more than 30 years, he has
diligently served the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation Volunteer
Fire Department to safeguard his community; and
WHEREAS, Herbert Johnson served as the first president of
the Alabama-Coushatta Youth Council and has continued his
leadership in tribal and civic affairs and an Elder and Clerk of
Session at the Indian Presbyterian Church; he actively supports
numerous youth programs and community initiatives, including the
Lil Dribblers basketball program, pow-wows, and holiday
celebrations, and his Christmas Eve charity drives have become a
cherished local tradition; and
WHEREAS, A trusted voice in the community, Mr. Johnson
provides updates and news to tribal members as host of the KREZ
Podcast, and he serves on the boards of the Tyler, Angelina, and
Polk County Chambers of Commerce as well as the board of Polk
County CARES; and
WHEREAS, A gifted speaker and cultural ambassador, this
esteemed chief frequently serves as Master of Ceremonies at
various celebrations and at pow-wows nationwide, and as Mikko
Istimaatokla, he is committed to preserving the rich language,
history, and culture of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation for
future generations; and
WHEREAS, A devoted husband and father, Mr. Johnson and his
wife, Victoria, are the proud parents of their daughters, Aaliyah
and Stormi, and his deep-rooted love for family extends to his
siblings, nieces, and nephew, all of whom benefit from his
guidance and support; and
WHEREAS, Through his local government leadership and
tireless commitment to public service, Herbert Johnson Jr. has
enriched the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation and has made an
enduring impact in his community and state, and it is truly
fitting that he receive special recognition for his dedication to
his culture and for his legacy of service that continues to
inspire all who know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby commend Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson Jr. on
his outstanding contributions to the Lone Star State and extend
to him best wishes for success in all of his endeavors; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.