By Wise H.R. No. 483 76R9655 BE-D 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.