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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Donald Thompson of Weslaco served his country with |
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great honor and distinction throughout his 24 years in the United |
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States Air Force; and |
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WHEREAS, After joining the military in 1963, Don Thompson |
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completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and went on to |
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student course training at Sheppard AFB with the 3772nd School |
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Squadron; he served in the Vietnam War, and one of his most |
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harrowing experiences occurred on a reconnaissance flight over Ho |
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Chi Minh Trail; the autopilot was engaged at 30,000 feet while the |
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pilot and copilot slept and the crew was occupied listening |
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intently for enemy trucks and tanks; no one immediately noticed |
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when the wings and fuselage began to ice up, and the aircraft |
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suddenly plunged 6,500 feet, pinning Mr. Thompson in place; |
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fortunately, the pilot was able to regain control at 13,500 feet and |
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none of the crew was injured; they continued with their mission, but |
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both wings of the plane later had to be replaced; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson's international deployments also |
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included time in Taiwan and at Lajes Field in the Azores; stateside, |
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he was stationed at Offutt AFB in Nebraska, Kincheloe AFB in |
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Michigan, Lockbourne AFB in Ohio, and Little Rock AFB in Arkansas; |
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among numerous commendations, he received the Air Medal with one |
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bronze oak leaf cluster, the Military Education Graduate Ribbon |
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with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Longevity Service |
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Award Ribbon with one silver oak leaf cluster, and the National |
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Defense Service Medal; he attained the rank of master sergeant; and |
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WHEREAS, Following his retirement in 1987, Mr. Thompson |
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worked as a loadmaster instructor; on June 6, 2023, he participated |
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in an Honor Flight for veterans in St. Louis, Missouri; he is |
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supported in all his endeavors by the love and encouragement of his |
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wife, Mary, and they are the proud parents of three children; and |
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WHEREAS, Don Thompson set an inspiring example through nearly |
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a quarter century of dedicated service as a member of the nation's |
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armed forces, and his fellow citizens owe him a lasting debt of |
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gratitude; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature, 1st |
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Called Session, hereby honor Donald Thompson for his long career in |
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the United States Air Force and extend to him sincere best wishes |
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for the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Thompson as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas Senate. |