R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor

 1-2     the Chuck Wagon Gang of Odessa for its superb legacy of community

 1-3     service; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, Founded in 1940 by 33 businessmen to help promote

 1-5     the city of Odessa, the group was patterned after the chuck wagon

 1-6     cooks of yesteryear who travelled the cow trails of Texas during

 1-7     the cattle drive era; and

 1-8           WHEREAS, Still going strong more than a half-century later,

 1-9     the Chuck Wagon Gang of Odessa now numbers 250 participants and is

1-10     comprised entirely of volunteers, who must also maintain membership

1-11     in the Greater Odessa Area Chamber of Commerce; and

1-12           WHEREAS, The Chuck Wagon Gang of Odessa has developed a

1-13     widespread following for its famous "feeds," having provided a

1-14     hearty Texas meal of barbecue, beans, cole slaw, pickles, onions,

1-15     bread, tea, and coffee to parties ranging in size from 200 to

1-16     30,000 people across the North American continent and abroad; and

1-17           WHEREAS, For over five decades the Chuck Wagon Gang of Odessa

1-18     has been unwavering in its commitment to the Odessa community and

1-19     the Lone Star State, and it is indeed appropriate that the

1-20     organization be given special legislative recognition at this time;

1-21     now, therefore, be it

1-22           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

1-23     Legislature hereby commend the Chuck Wagon Gang of Odessa for its

1-24     outstanding history of public service; and, be it further

 2-1           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

 2-2     prepared for the Chuck Wagon Gang of Odessa as an expression of

 2-3     high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                        West

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 16 was adopted by the House on

         February 25, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House