By Dutton H.R. No. 571 75R10560 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Leon Sandles was recently designated by the Texas 1-2 Legislative Black Caucus as an Outstanding Texan and this honor is 1-3 indeed well deserved; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Mr. Sandles was graduated from Kashmere High School 1-5 in Houston and pursued his higher education at Texas Southern 1-6 University, the University of Houston, and Houston Community 1-7 College, where he attained his associate degree in fire technology; 1-8 and 1-9 WHEREAS, An exemplary patriot, he served his country with 1-10 distinction for two years as a member of the United States Army; 1-11 and 1-12 WHEREAS, On completing his military service, he returned to 1-13 Houston and joined the Houston Fire Department, and for 28 years 1-14 Mr. Sandles has set the highest possible standards in the 1-15 performance of his duties with that elite group of men and women; 1-16 and 1-17 WHEREAS, In addition to his vital work with the fire 1-18 department, this distinguished gentleman also serves his community 1-19 as president of the United Men of Our Mother of Mercy Parish, and 1-20 as a participant in the Houston Independent School District 1-21 Minority Male Initiative Program; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Among the many accolades he has received for his 1-23 many contributions to the community are the Outstanding Service 1-24 Award by the Knights of Peter Clever and the 1997 Sir Knight Louis 2-1 Dorian Humanitarian Award; and 2-2 WHEREAS, A man of deep religious conviction, he is an active 2-3 member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, where he also serves 2-4 as a board trustee; and 2-5 WHEREAS, He has been supported in all his many endeavors by 2-6 his wife, Charolette, and his two daughters, Cindy and Andrea; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Leon Sandles has devoted his life to the betterment 2-8 of his fellowman through his work with the Houston Fire Department 2-9 and as a community leader and his many notable accomplishments are 2-10 worthy of special legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby congratulate Leon Sandles on being named an 2-13 Outstanding Texan by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus; and, be it 2-14 further 2-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-16 prepared for Leon Sandles as an expression of high regard by the 2-17 Texas House of Representatives.