78R12731 MMS-D

By:  Chavez                                                       H.R. No. 923



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt at 
the loss of First Sergeant Robert J. Dowdy of DeRidder, Louisiana, 
who died in the Iraqi campaign at the age of 38; and
	WHEREAS, Sergeant Dowdy, a mechanical maintenance 
supervisor, was one of nine soldiers from the army's 507th 
Maintenance Company who lost their lives following an ambush in 
southern Iraq on March 23, 2003; he had volunteered for deployment 
to the Persian Gulf in the place of a fellow soldier and had shipped 
out from Fort Bliss the previous month; for his valiant service in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Dowdy was posthumously awarded a 
Bronze Star and a Purple Heart; and
	WHEREAS, This courageous soldier graduated in 1982 from South 
High School in Cleveland, Ohio; an 18-year army veteran, he was an 
able leader, one whose integrity and sound judgment naturally 
commanded the respect of others; he received promotion to first 
sergeant in Kuwait, shortly before moving into Iraq; and
	WHEREAS, In his leisure time, Sergeant Dowdy was an 
accomplished runner who participated in numerous races in the El 
Paso area; and
	WHEREAS, Though his work necessitated spending many hours 
away from his family, his profound care and support for his wife and 
daughter knew no limit; and
	WHEREAS, Americans owe an immeasurable debt to their military 
personnel, whose brave and steadfast efforts have long secured this 
nation's freedom; through his unwavering devotion to duty, honor, 
and his country, Sergeant Dowdy 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 
behalf of his country, and whose life was a treasured 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 tribute to the life of First Sergeant Robert 
J. Dowdy and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family:  
to his wife, Kathleen; to his daughter, Kristy; to his parents, 
Irene Dowdy and Jack Dowdy, Sr.; to his siblings; and to the other 
relatives and many friends of this beloved American soldier; 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 First 
Sergeant Robert J. Dowdy.