R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Colonel Alfredo Longoria, Jr., of Edinburg has been 1-2 assigned the command of the United States Marine Corps Weapons 1-3 Training Battalion in Quantico, Virginia; and 1-4 WHEREAS, After graduating from Pan American University in 1-5 1975, Colonel Longoria was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 1-6 United States Marine Corps; over the last 25 years, he has 1-7 demonstrated the courage, integrity, leadership, and devotion to 1-8 duty essential for success in this field, earning the respect of 1-9 all who have been privileged to serve with him; and 1-10 WHEREAS, His noteworthy tenure has included tours with the 1-11 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th marine divisions, a one-year tour as an 1-12 advisor to the El Salvadoran Navy, and a two-year tour as an 1-13 advisor to the Venezuelan Marine Corps and Navy; Colonel Longoria 1-14 led the U.S. Marine Corps teams that trained the Colombian National 1-15 Police, Marines, and Army, and has commanded two rifle platoons, an 1-16 81mm mortar platoon, two rifle companies, a reconnaissance company, 1-17 a force reconnaissance company, and a reconnaissance battalion; and 1-18 WHEREAS, One of only 17 Hispanics of the 572 officers 1-19 currently serving this nation at the rank of colonel or captain in 1-20 the United States Marine Corps, Colonel Longoria has earned 1-21 numerous military awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps 1-22 Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf 1-23 clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the 1-24 Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat 2-1 Action Ribbon; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Exemplifying the finest qualities of the USMC, 2-3 Colonel Longoria has shown himself to be an officer of great 2-4 bravery whose strong sense of duty is a proud reflection of his 2-5 dedication to the ideals of freedom and democracy, and it is most 2-6 appropriate to honor him for his invaluable contributions to this 2-7 nation's defense; now, therefore, be it 2-8 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-9 Legislature hereby congratulate Colonel Alfredo Longoria, Jr., on 2-10 his numerous military achievements and extend to him sincere best 2-11 wishes on his newest assignment; and, be it further 2-12 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-13 prepared for Colonel Longoria as an expression of high regard by 2-14 the Texas House of Representatives. Gutierrez _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 829 was adopted by the House on May 9, 2001, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House