1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 308 1-3 In Memory 1-4 of 1-5 Gary Graham Swenchonis, Jr. 1-6 WHEREAS, On October 12, 2000, United States Navy fireman 1-7 Gary Graham Swenchonis, Jr., was killed in the line of duty while 1-8 serving aboard the USS Cole, and we join his family and 1-9 friends in mourning their profound loss; and 1-10 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Swenchonis, 26, graduated from 1-11 Rockport-Fulton High School in 1994, where he was a manager for the 1-12 Fighting Pirates football team, and began his military career as an 1-13 automated logistical specialist in the United States Army before 1-14 joining the navy on January 14, 1999; and 1-15 WHEREAS, He was a model sailor who upheld the navy's 1-16 time-honored code of honor, courage, and commitment; the navy has 1-17 posthumously awarded him the Purple Heart, a decoration given to 1-18 those who are wounded in action; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure in the military, 1-20 Mr. Swenchonis received numerous commendations and accolades, 1-21 including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 2-1 Army Service Medal, and Army Achievement Medal; in addition, he was 2-2 recognized by the quartermaster general for his formal affiliation 2-3 with the United States Army Quartermaster Corps Regiment; and 2-4 WHEREAS, During his life, Mr. Swenchonis distinguished 2-5 himself as an individual of upstanding character and integrity; 2-6 his dedication and loyalty speaks volumes about this intrepid 2-7 gentleman's desire to serve his country; and 2-8 WHEREAS, Mr. Swenchonis, one of the 17 sailors who died 2-9 as a result of the suicide bomb attack on the USS Cole in 2-10 Aden, Yemen, was honored in a ceremony that is held annually at 2-11 Arlington National Cemetery as a memorial for victims of terrorism; 2-12 and 2-13 WHEREAS, Although his life was tragically cut short, 2-14 Mr. Swenchonis's bright spirit will live on in the hearts and 2-15 minds of the countless people whose lives he touched; now, 2-16 therefore, be it 2-17 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-18 77th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of 2-19 Gary Graham Swenchonis, Jr., and extend sincere sympathy 2-20 to the members of his family: his parents, Deborah and 2-21 Gary Swenchonis, Sr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Shalala 2-22 and Carlton Wood; and the many other relatives and friends of 2-23 this brave gentleman; and, be it further 2-24 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be 3-1 prepared for the members of his family as an expression of deepest 3-2 sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns 3-3 this day, it do so in memory of Gary Graham Swenchonis, Jr. 3-4 Armbrister 3-5 ______________________________________ 3-6 President of the Senate 3-7 I hereby certify that the above 3-8 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-9 on February 21, 2001, by a rising vote. 3-10 ______________________________________ 3-11 Secretary of the Senate 3-12 ______________________________________ 3-13 Member, Texas Senate