78S40511 MMS-D

By:  Campbell                                                     H.R. No. 37 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Words cannot express the heartache felt at the loss 
in Iraq of Lance Corporal Elias Torrez III on April 9, 2004, at the 
age of 21; and
	WHEREAS, A member of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st 
Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Corporal Torrez 
sustained mortal injuries in an ambush of his convoy in the city of 
Sa'dah; he was returning to his camp at Al Qaim, after transporting 
a squad of Marines to a nearby town, when his convoy was attacked; 
and
	WHEREAS, This courageous young man joined the Marine Corps 
just months after graduating from Veribest High School in the 
spring of 2001; he left Texas for boot camp in San Diego, 
California, on September 10 of that year and joined the 3rd 
Battalion, 7th Marines, in February 2002; and
	WHEREAS, Corporal Torrez was deployed to Iraq at the 
beginning of the Iraqi campaign and completed a nine-month tour of 
duty in that country before returning to the United States; after a 
month at home and a short time at his base in Twentynine Palms, 
California, he embarked for Iraq for a second tour of duty in 
February 2004; Corporal Torrez served as a gunner, combat vehicle 
driver, and radio operator; and
	WHEREAS, Those who worked with this outstanding Texan were 
impressed by his utter fearlessness and unswerving determination; 
intensely proud of his mission as a Marine, he had decided to make 
the corps his career and had set his sights on becoming a recruiter; 
already he was serving as an admired and esteemed mentor to younger 
colleagues; and
	WHEREAS, Although his assignment in Iraq was a hazardous one, 
the man known affectionately as E. T. took its dangers in his 
stride; his free spirit, easygoing manner, and happy outlook 
endeared him to a host of friends, as did his unfailing ability to 
make people laugh; and
	WHEREAS, Corporal Torrez was born in Del Rio on January 28, 
1983; a talented athlete, he played six-man football in high school 
and enjoyed the loyal support of family members and friends, who 
followed his team to gridiron contests around West Texas; proud of 
his family and greatly cherished in return, he kept in touch 
faithfully after his deployment through many letters home; and
	WHEREAS, Through his unfaltering devotion to duty, honor, and 
his country, Corporal Torrez embodied the highest ideals of the 
armed services, and the blessing of his life will be forever 
cherished by those who were privileged to share in his love and 
friendship; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay special tribute to the 
life of Lance Corporal Elias Torrez III and extend sincere sympathy 
to the members of his family:  to his mother and stepfather, 
Veronica and Bill Norris; to his father and stepmother, Elias 
Torres, Jr., and Martha Ramirez Torres; to his brother, Pete 
Torres, and stepbrother, Rigo Ramirez; to his grandparents, Maria 
Garza, Elias Torres, Sr., and Petrita Torres; to his 
great-grandmother, Anita Torres; and to the many other relatives 
and friends who mourn his passing; 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 Lance 
Corporal Elias Torrez III.