By: Haywood S.C.R. No. 51 99S0873/1 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to 1-2 recognize Colonel John Merl Elkins for his outstanding service to 1-3 the State of Texas and the United States of America for more than 1-4 45 years; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Colonel Elkins served 25 years on active duty in the 1-6 United States Army and Air Force; during this time he demonstrated 1-7 exceptional skill in his specialty, aircraft maintenance and 1-8 support; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Colonel Elkins served with the occupation forces in 1-10 Japan following World War II; he is a veteran of the Korean War and 1-11 the Vietnam War; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Prior to his retirement, Colonel Elkins spent 20 1-13 years as a dedicated and outstanding leader in the Texas State 1-14 Guard; he commanded the Seventh Military Police Group of the Texas 1-15 State Guard, a group headquarters and four military police 1-16 battalions in 25 counties in northeast and southeast Texas; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Colonel Elkins has provided invaluable assistance to 1-18 the Texas State Guard in organizing numerous field-training 1-19 exercises; communities across the state have benefitted from his 1-20 active coordination and participation in emergency disaster 1-21 preparedness drills, which enable citizens to meet and respond to 1-22 the needs of disaster victims; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Colonel Elkins has received numerous medals and 2-1 awards in recognition of his meritorious achievements and 2-2 performance of duty in the United States armed forces and the Texas 2-3 State Guard; now, therefore, be it 2-4 RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-5 hereby urge the governor to exercise his authority under Section 2-6 431.060, Government Code, to promote Colonel Elkins to the rank of 2-7 Brigadier General; and, be it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That the secretary of state forward an official 2-9 copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Texas.