78S20345 MMS-D

By:  Flynn                                                        H.R. No. 142



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of Sergeant Steven Wayne 
White suffered an immeasurable loss with the death of this beloved 
man in Iraq on August 13, 2003, at the age of 29; and
	WHEREAS, Making his career in the United States Army, 
Sergeant White had served in Iraq for approximately four months; he 
was mortally injured when his M113 armored personnel carrier, part 
of a four-vehicle convoy, hit an antitank mine near Tikrit; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Dallas, Steven White grew up in Fruitvale 
and attended Fruitvale High School, where he worked on the yearbook 
and belonged to the FFA, the History Club, the Spanish Club, the 
Beta Club, and De-Fy-It (Drug Free Youth in Texas); he was an able, 
responsible student and was highly regarded by his classmates, who 
elected him prom king during his senior year; and
	WHEREAS, This courageous soldier fulfilled a longtime 
ambition when he enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately following 
his graduation from high school in 1992; based at Fort Hood before 
being posted to the Middle East, he served as a mechanic with 
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field 
Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division; and
	WHEREAS, During his decade in the service, Sergeant White was 
awarded two National Defense Service Medals, two Army Achievement 
Medals, the Army Service Ribbon, and a Good Conduct Medal; and
	WHEREAS, When on leave, he liked to return home to visit 
family and friends, including former teachers; a man who enjoyed 
simple pleasures, he was also a caring individual who was always 
ready to lend a helping hand to others; and
	WHEREAS, Steven White was married to Laniece DePree White, 
his high school sweetheart, with whom he had three sons and one 
daughter; and
	WHEREAS, Americans owe an immeasurable debt to the nation's 
military personnel, who have served valiantly throughout this 
country's history and whose efforts and sacrifice in their nation's 
behalf are deserving of their fellow citizens' deepest gratitude; 
and
	WHEREAS, Through his unfaltering devotion to duty, honor, and 
his country, Sergeant White embodied the highest ideals of the 
armed service, and the blessing of his life will be forever 
cherished by those who were privileged to share his love and 
friendship; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay special tribute to the 
life of Sergeant Steven Wayne White and extend sincere sympathy to 
the members of his family:  to his wife, Laniece DePree White; to 
his four children; to his father, Charles White; to his brother, 
Junior White; to his sisters, Cheryle Thompson and Sandra 
McCormick; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Sergeant 
Steven Wayne White.