78R12728 MMS-D

By:  Chavez                                                       H.R. No. 921



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt at 
the loss of Private First Class Howard Johnson II of Mobile, 
Alabama, who died in the Iraqi campaign on March 23, 2003, at the 
age of 21; and
	WHEREAS, Private Johnson, an automated logistics specialist, 
was one of nine soldiers from the army's 507th Maintenance Company 
who lost their lives in an ambush in southern Iraq; before his 
deployment to the Persian Gulf in February 2003, he was stationed at 
Fort Bliss, near El Paso; and
	WHEREAS, This courageous soldier enlisted in the United 
States Army directly after his graduation from LeFlore High School, 
where he was a member of the track team and the army ROTC; following 
his discharge from the military, he planned to attend college and 
study business; and
	WHEREAS, A source of enormous pride to his family, who 
nicknamed him Junior, Private Johnson was sustained by a strong and 
abiding faith; he was a valued member of Truevine Missionary 
Baptist Church in Prichard, Alabama, where his father was pastor 
and where he played drums during church services; he also took 
pleasure in the out-of-doors and enjoyed fishing and hunting in his 
leisure time; and
	WHEREAS, Private Johnson earned the fond esteem of many for 
his kindness and readiness to help others in whatever way he could; 
his generosity of spirit was evident in such humble actions as 
shining the shoes of school friends when they could not afford 
polish themselves; he also possessed a strong sense of 
responsibility as a soldier and a deep loyalty to his unit; and
	WHEREAS, Americans owe an immeasurable debt to their military 
personnel, whose brave and steadfast efforts have long secured this 
nation's treasured freedom; through his unwavering devotion to 
duty, honor, and his country, Private Johnson embodied the highest 
ideals of the United States armed forces, and the State of Texas and 
the nation now mourn the loss of a hero who made the ultimate 
sacrifice in his country's behalf, and whose life was a blessing to 
all who were privileged to share his love and friendship; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Private First 
Class Howard Johnson II and that it extend sincere sympathy to the 
members of his family:  to his parents, Gloria Johnson and the 
Reverend Howard Johnson; to his sisters, Zsaquez and Geiselle; and 
to the other relatives and many friends of this beloved young man; 
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 Private 
First Class Howard Johnson II.