R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Major Homer Gallegos has distinguished himself
 1-2     throughout a 30-year career with the U.S. Air Force and the U.S.
 1-3     Air Force Reserves and through his committed efforts in behalf of
 1-4     this state's and this nation's veterans; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Born in McAllen, Major Gallegos entered military
 1-6     service in 1968; his service with the air force included a tour of
 1-7     duty in South Vietnam at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, and he was
 1-8     honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant in 1972; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, On returning home, Major Gallegos earned a
1-10     bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education from Pan
1-11     American University in Edinburg; it was there, while still a
1-12     student, that he began working with the American G.I. Forum
1-13     Veterans Outreach Program in McAllen; and
1-14           WHEREAS, In 1980 Major Gallegos was instrumental in the
1-15     founding of the VA Vietnam Vet Center in Laredo, where he served as
1-16     a team leader until his transfer to McAllen in 1983; his commitment
1-17     and ability as a clinical counselor at the McAllen facility have
1-18     earned him the deep respect of colleagues and clients alike; and
1-19           WHEREAS, Many veterans groups and civic organizations have
1-20     recognized Major Gallegos for his outstanding community efforts; he
1-21     has been named Advocate of the Year by the Small Business
1-22     Administration, was listed among the Outstanding Young Men of
1-23     America in 1980, and received a Veterans Administration Performance
1-24     Award of "Outstanding" or "Highly Successful" eight times within 14
 2-1     years; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, Major Gallegos is also a driving force within
 2-3     Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8788 to which he belongs; he has
 2-4     worked closely with the post's Honor Guard, coordinated Operation
 2-5     Food Basket, which brings food and aid to less fortunate veterans,
 2-6     and is a frequent guest speaker before area schoolchildren,
 2-7     emphasizing patriotism, the importance of staying in school, and
 2-8     the dangers of drugs; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, The diligence and commendable loyalty that Major
2-10     Gallegos has exhibited through three decades of enthusiastic
2-11     service to his country, his fellow veterans, and his community are
2-12     the hallmarks of a sterling character, and as he retires from the
2-13     U.S. Air Force Reserves and begins his plans for the next phase of
2-14     his life, it is justly fitting to honor him and to wish him well;
2-15     now, therefore, be it
2-16           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-17     Legislature hereby commend U.S. Air Force Reserves Major Homer
2-18     Gallegos for his many years of committed service and extend to him
2-19     warm best wishes for even greater success and happiness in the
2-20     years ahead; and, be it further
2-21           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-22     prepared for Major Gallegos as an expression of highest regard by
2-23     the Texas House of Representatives.
                                                                        Wise
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 483 was adopted by the House on April
         23, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House