By Gallego H.R. No. 268 77R6411 JKB-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, September 30, 2000, marked the end of a 1-2 distinguished tenure for Allen Zan Matthies as he retired from his 1-3 position as a Pecos County Extension agent after nearly 20 years of 1-4 devoted service; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Matthies was born in Seguin and 1-6 spent most of his formative years in Ganado on the family ranch; he 1-7 received his teacher's certification and bachelor's degree in 1-8 animal science from Texas A&I University, later returning to school 1-9 and earning his master of science degree in range/animal science 1-10 from Sul Ross State University in 1992; and 1-11 WHEREAS, After four years as a teacher of vocational 1-12 agriculture at Eagle Pass High School, Mr. Matthies began serving 1-13 as an extension agent for Maverick County in 1967; his five years 1-14 of experience as an agent coupled with the knowledge and insight he 1-15 gained over the next decade allowed this esteemed Texan to bring a 1-16 host of fresh and innovative ideas to his position with Pecos 1-17 County; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Mr. Matthies joined the Extension Agency staff in 1-19 Pecos County in 1982, and he has been instrumental in numerous 1-20 county, state, and international endeavors, including the 1-21 construction of the new District Six TAEX Center, a study of the 1-22 county's aquaculture, and the organization of the Alliance of 1-23 Northeast Chihuahua and West Texas, an effort to increase trade and 1-24 work relations between Texas and Mexico; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Renowned for his hard work and dedication, 2-2 Mr. Matthies has garnered many accolades through the years, 2-3 including the Distinguished Achievement Award for Community 2-4 Development from the TAEX Service Specialists Association, the 2-5 Texas A&M University Agriculture Vice Chancellor's Award in 2-6 Excellence for Outstanding Contributions and Performance, the Texas 2-7 Agricultural Extension Service Superior Service Award for County 2-8 Agent, and Outstanding County Extension Agent by the Texas Sheep 2-9 and Goat Association; in addition, the Maverick County Junior 2-10 Livestock Show Barn and Extension Office was recently dedicated to 2-11 this fine individual in recognition of his diligence in bringing 2-12 the project to fruition; and 2-13 WHEREAS, Mr. Matthies, who is also a 32nd degree Mason and a 2-14 member of the Episcopal Church, has been an invaluable asset to 2-15 Pecos County and Texas, and it is most fitting to honor his 2-16 noteworthy professional accomplishments at this time; now, 2-17 therefore, be it 2-18 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-19 Legislature hereby express its appreciation to Allen Zan Matthies 2-20 for his years of dedicated service to the citizens of this state 2-21 and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and 2-22 happiness; and, be it further 2-23 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-24 prepared for Mr. Matthies as an expression of high regard by the 2-25 Texas House of Representatives.