By Finnell H.R. No. 239 74R4035 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Doris Richeson has been named Cactus Squadron Leader 1-2 of the Confederate Air Force for 1995 and is the only woman ever to 1-3 attain that distinction; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Elected to this prestigious post for the second time 1-5 by the other members of the squadron, this accomplished aviator 1-6 first held the position of squadron leader in 1987; and 1-7 WHEREAS, The Confederate Air Force (CAF), which was founded 1-8 by Lloyd Nolen and Lefty Gardner, is a self-supporting, privately 1-9 funded, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of 1-10 World War II aircraft in flying condition; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Composed of members from Graham, Texas, and 1-12 surrounding towns, the Cactus Squadron is one of 10 squadrons 1-13 forming the West Texas wing of the CAF and is notable for 1-14 maintaining the only remaining SB2C "Helldiver" dive-bomber in 1-15 flying condition; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Mrs. Richeson, whose late husband helped form the 1-17 squadron in 1980, has tirelessly devoted her efforts to the 1-18 squadron's many worthy projects, including the Robert E. Richeson 1-19 Memorial Museum, located above the Cactus Squadron hangar; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Active in a variety of pursuits, this dynamic 1-21 individual also is a successful businesswoman, community leader, 1-22 and devoted parent; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Doris Richeson is an inspirational figure to all who 1-24 are privileged to know her, and her many contributions to her 2-1 community are indeed worthy of special legislative recognition; 2-2 now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby congratulate Doris Richeson on her election as 2-5 Cactus Squadron Leader of the Confederate Air Force; and, be it 2-6 further 2-7 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-8 prepared for Mrs. Richeson as an expression of high regard by the 2-9 Texas House of Representatives.