By Clark                                              H.R. No. 1343
         76R9593 GMW-D                           
                                 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.