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.