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

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 21, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate