87R30448 BK-D
 
  By: Neave 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.