78S30526 MMS-D

By:  Merritt                                                    H.C.R. No. 16 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, General (Ret.) Tommy Ray Franks, who oversaw 
American operations in Afghanistan and Iraq as leader of the U.S. 
Central Command (CentCom), is appearing with Neal McCoy & Friends 
at a benefit for the East Texas Angel Network (ETAN) in Longview on 
September 27, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, A charitable foundation, ETAN was created by country 
music star Neal McCoy and his wife, Melinda, in 1995 to provide 
financial assistance to the families of children with serious 
illnesses; to date, ETAN has raised approximately $2 million and 
helped more than 100 families; and
	WHEREAS, General Franks has been a great fan and close friend 
of Mr. McCoy's since getting to know him during the performer's 
travels with various USO tours; at the general's request, Mr. McCoy 
performed at the July 2003 ceremony marking the transfer of CentCom 
leadership from General Franks to General John P. Abizaid; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Oklahoma, General Franks grew up in 
Midland and attended the same high school as First Lady Laura Bush; 
he was commissioned as an army second lieutenant in 1967 and was 
soon posted to Vietnam, where he earned three Purple Hearts; during 
his 36-year military career, he also served at the Pentagon, in 
Europe, in Korea, and in Iraq during the first Persian Gulf war; and
	WHEREAS, Assuming command of CentCom in the summer of 2000, 
General Franks became responsible for U.S. military operations in 
25 countries, stretching from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia; he 
subsequently directed American forces in the campaigns that 
overthrew the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq; 
and
	WHEREAS, Among the numerous commendations bestowed on 
General Franks have been four Legion of Merit medals, three Bronze 
Stars with "V" for valor, an Air Medal with "V," and an Army 
Commendation Medal with "V"; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout a career distinguished by sound judgment 
and exemplary leadership, General Franks has set the highest 
standards of excellence in the performance of his duties, and it is 
a pleasure to welcome him back to the Lone Star State as he takes 
part in this outstanding benefit; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas, 
3rd Called Session, hereby honor General (Ret.) Tommy Ray Franks on 
the occasion of his appearance at the Ninth Annual Benefit for the 
East Texas Angel Network and extend to him profound gratitude for 
his exceptional service to this country; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for General Franks as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.