78R15887 JNC-D

By:  Smithee                                                    H.C.R. No. 251



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, In times of war throughout the history of our 
nation, members of the United States military have borne enormous 
sacrifices in this country's behalf; and
	WHEREAS, U.S. Air Force Captain Eric Bruce Das, of the 333rd 
Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Wing, embarked from Seymour Johnson 
Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, in support of the 
campaign to liberate Iraqi citizens from oppression; he was killed 
in action April 7, 2003, when the fighter jet he was piloting went 
down in Iraq; and
	WHEREAS, Born December 20, 1972, in the Netherlands, while 
his parents were serving as missionaries there, Captain Das 
embraced life and lived with a vivacity that distinguishes a rare 
few; growing up, he spent many happy hours working with his father 
in the woodworking shop in the family's backyard, and he developed 
an ardent love of nature and adventure; he also possessed a true 
talent for friendship, one that enriched the lives of a host of 
individuals along his journey; and
	WHEREAS, Captain Das--whose call sign "Boot" signaled his 
Texas upbringing--graduated from Amarillo High School in 1991 and 
earned a degree in civil engineering four years later from the 
United States Air Force Academy, where his confident, caring nature 
made him instantly popular among his peers; and
	WHEREAS, After receiving his commission, he was assigned to a 
civil engineering post at Kelly Air Force Base, and in 1996 he 
attended pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base; because of his 
outstanding skills, he had been chosen to attend the U.S. Air Force 
Fighter Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base; and
	WHEREAS, A loving husband, Captain Das married Nikki Das, a 
fellow air force officer and the love of his life, on October 20, 
2001, and the couple shared a devoted and joyful union; when his 
wife was deployed to the Persian Gulf during the Iraqi crisis, 
Captain Das volunteered for duty there as well, in order to be near 
her; and
	WHEREAS, In recognition of his exceptional service, Captain 
Das was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Meritorious 
Service award, and the Distinguished Flying Cross; and
	WHEREAS, This valorous American was a highly respected 
leader, teacher, and role model, whose integrity and humility set 
an inspiring example for others; his strong character reflected the 
deep faith that sustained him, both in and out of battle, and the 
nurture and guidance of his family, which shaped him into the fine 
man he had become; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Captain Eric Das 
demonstrated unflinching bravery and a resolute commitment to his 
military oath, regardless of the personal consequences, and the 
State of Texas and the nation now mourn the loss of a beloved and 
courageous hero; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby honor the life of Captain Eric Bruce Das and extend deepest 
sympathy to the members of his family:  to his wife, First 
Lieutenant Nicole Das; to his parents, Bruce and Rosie Das; to his 
sisters, Elisa Das and Melody Das Neumann and her husband, Stephen; 
to his grandmother, Jessie Renne; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of 
Captain Eric Bruce Das.