By: Turner S.R. No. 797 1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great 1-3 pleasure in paying tribute to M. E. Baker of Marlin on the occasion 1-4 of his retirement as Director of the Thomas T. Connally Department 1-5 of Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and 1-6 WHEREAS, On April 28, 1995, Mr. Baker will be honored by his 1-7 colleagues at an awards ceremony in grateful recognition of his 1-8 notable contributions to the medical center; and 1-9 WHEREAS, During his tenure, Mr. Baker was responsible for the 1-10 overall management and for the quality patient care in the 184-bed 1-11 general medical hospital which administers a variety of medical care 1-12 and treatment in cooperation with the Veterans Affairs Medical 1-13 Centers in Waco and Temple; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Mr. Baker established a comprehensive health care 1-15 delivery system adapted to the needs of the veteran population and 1-16 maintained effective and harmonious relations with the community, 1-17 civic and professional organizations, other hospitals, and the 1-18 medical schools; and 1-19 WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a 1-20 life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American 1-21 Veterans, Mr. Baker started his first tour at Marlin in 1951 as a 1-22 storekeeper in supply service where he was promoted to Supervisory 1-23 Property and Supply Clerk, GS-4; he was transferred to Big Spring 2-1 Veterans Administration Medical Center and served in various other 2-2 centers before returning to Marlin as director of the medical 2-3 center; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Mr. Baker's enlightened and dedicated leadership 2-5 resulted in significant changes throughout his administration; his 2-6 personal qualities coupled with his knowledge and his ability to 2-7 work well with people are reflected in the esteem with which the 2-8 medical center is held; and 2-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Baker has earned the respect and appreciation 2-10 of all those who are a part of the Thomas T. Connally Department 2-11 of Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and 2-12 WHEREAS, The esteemed gentleman has served with diligence 2-13 and ability, and he will be deeply missed by all who have come to 2-14 rely on his sound judgment and exemplary supervision; and 2-15 WHEREAS, Deeply involved in civic and service organizations, 2-16 Mr. Baker is Executive Director of the District Lions Effort 2-17 Against Drugs Governing Board, a Past Master of the Marlin Masonic 2-18 Lodge, and a member of the appointed Divan of Karen Shrine Temple 2-19 in Waco; he is on the board of directors of the Marlin Chamber of 2-20 Commerce and chairman of the Falls County Combined Federal Campaign; 2-21 now, therefore, be it 2-22 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-23 74th Legislature, hereby commend M. E. Baker for his outstanding 2-24 achievements as Director of the Thomas T. Connally Department of 2-25 Veterans Affairs Medical Center and extend best wishes to him for 3-1 a most rewarding retirement; and, be it further 3-2 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 3-3 him as an expression of the high regard of the Texas Senate. 3-4 ______________________________________ 3-5 President of the Senate 3-6 I hereby certify that the above 3-7 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-8 on April 26, 1995. 3-9 ______________________________________ 3-10 Secretary of the Senate 3-11 ______________________________________ 3-12 Member, Texas Senate