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78S40348 JHS-D

By:  Nixon                                                      H.C.R. No. 4  



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, John McDivitt of Houston is retiring from the 
American Red Cross on June 30, 2004, completing a distinguished 
38-year tenure with that esteemed organization; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. McDivitt began his career with the Red Cross in 
Iowa in 1966 as a safety program representative in the Midwestern 
Area; for the past 20 years he has served as chief executive officer 
of the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Red Cross, and during 
his two-decade tenure the chapter has doubled in size and expanded 
from six to 14 branches; and
	WHEREAS, A graduate of Southwest Oklahoma State College, this 
civic-minded individual has previously officiated as executive 
director of the Rochester-Monroe County Chapter in New York and as 
manager of the Central Illinois Chapter in Peoria; he has also been 
affiliated with chapters in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Minnesota; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. McDivitt has aided thousands of American 
families during his illustrious career, providing food, shelter, 
and other necessities in the aftermath of an array of natural 
disasters, including Tropical Storm Allison; following the 
tragedies of September 11, 2001, he devoted six months to working at 
the American Red Cross National Headquarters, devising disaster 
response and preparedness strategies in his role as executive vice 
president of disaster; and
	WHEREAS, This commendable gentleman has lent his time and 
talents to a host of other worthwhile endeavors, including the ARC 
Retirement System, the Texas Gulf Coast United Way, the Rotary Club 
of Houston, and Associated Catholic Charities; he and his wife, 
Mary, enjoy a loving family that includes three children and six 
grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, Whether raising much-needed funds, training an army 
of volunteers, or providing care and assistance to those in need, 
John McDivitt has had a profound impact on the lives of countless 
individuals; he is a man of extraordinary dedication and 
commitment, and his legacy as a visionary leader of the American Red 
Cross will not soon be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas, 
4th Called Session, hereby honor John McDivitt on the occasion of 
his retirement from the American Red Cross and extend to him warmest 
best wishes for continued success and happiness as he begins the 
next chapter of his life; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. McDivitt as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives and Senate.