R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Colonel John Merl Elkins proudly served the United 1-2 States and Texas for 45 years, and it is a fitting time to pay 1-3 tribute to this distinguished veteran; and 1-4 WHEREAS, In 1946 Colonel Elkins began his military career and 1-5 was active in the United States Army and Air Force until 1971, 1-6 serving in World War II with occupation forces, during the Korean 1-7 War, and in Japan, Southeast Asia, and Vietnam; after retiring from 1-8 active duty, he continued to serve his country with the state and 1-9 federal reserve forces and was a proud member of the Texas State 1-10 Guard for 19 years; and 1-11 WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman earned his bachelor's and 1-12 master's degrees from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and is 1-13 certified as a professional counselor and classroom teacher in 1-14 Texas and Oklahoma; from 1972 to 1988, he served as a staff 1-15 administrator, professional and academic counselor, veteran's 1-16 affairs director, and test center administrator at Grayson County 1-17 Junior College in Denison; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Also active in his community, Colonel Elkins has 1-19 devoted his time and energy to many notable organizations, 1-20 including the Texas Association of Collegiate Veteran's Programs 1-21 Officials, Texas Association of School Boards Red River Chapter, 1-22 Grayson County Scottish Rite, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2773, 1-23 American Legion Post 62, Reserve Officers Association, United 1-24 States Air Force Noncommissioned Officers Academy Association, the 2-1 Texas State Guard Association, and many more; and 2-2 WHEREAS, This highly decorated soldier has earned such 2-3 prestigious awards as the United States Air Force Meritorious 2-4 Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three Bronze 2-5 Oak Leaf Clusters, American Defense Ribbon, World War II Occupation 2-6 Ribbon for Japan, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service 2-7 Medal with three Battle Stars, Noncommissioned Officer's Academy 2-8 Ribbon, United States Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea 2-9 Presidential Citation, Texas Guard Outstanding Commander's Award, 2-10 Texas State Guard Service Medal, Federal Service Medal, and others 2-11 too numerous to mention; and 2-12 WHEREAS, The significant accomplishments of this patriotic 2-13 gentleman are truly commendable, and for his 45 years of dedicated 2-14 service to his state and nation, he is most deserving of special 2-15 recognition; now, therefore, be it 2-16 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-17 Legislature hereby recognize Colonel John Merl Elkins as most 2-18 deserving of a brevet promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. Clark _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1343 was adopted by the House on May 31, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House