SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 85
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Colonel Thomas Madison for his outstanding career as a 
member of the United States Air Force; he is being honored for his 
military service during his family's reunion in Austin in October 
of 2003; and
	WHEREAS, Thomas Madison was born in Austin and graduated 
from Anderson High School; he earned a bachelor's degree in 
chemistry and mathematics from Huston-Tillotson College, a 
master's degree in chemistry from Tuskegee Institute, and a 
master's degree in business administration from Arizona State 
University; and
	WHEREAS, In 1953, he entered the United States Air Force as 
a second lieutenant, and he earned his pilot's wings in 1954; his 
duties in the Air Force included piloting a tactical jet fighter 
aircraft; in April of 1967, he was shot down and taken prisoner by 
the North Vietnamese; and
	WHEREAS, Colonel Madison was held in the Hanoi prisoner of 
war camp and endured the horrors of captivity for six years; for a 
time, he was imprisoned with Senator John McCain; his experiences 
as a prisoner of war are featured in the film Return With Honor; 
and
	WHEREAS, For his heroism and distinguished 30-year 
career in the Air Force, Colonel Madison earned a number of 
medals, including the Purple Heart, the Legion of Merit, and 
the Distinguished Flying Cross; and

	WHEREAS, After his return from Vietnam, Thomas Madison 
served 10 additional years in the Air Force as director of 
Accounting and Finance for United States Air Force Europe and 
Air Force Pacific; he retired as a colonel in 1983; he then 
had a successful 15-year career as a financial consultant for 
Merrill Lynch & Company, Incorporated; and
	WHEREAS, Thomas Madison's courage and determination when 
faced with adversity as a prisoner of war and throughout his 
career is truly inspirational and brought honor to himself, his 
family, and his country; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend 
Colonel Thomas Madison for his distinguished military career and 
for the extraordinary tenacity he displayed as a prisoner of war 
and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
                                                         Barrientos, Ellis, West




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on July 21, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate