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78R15319 MMS-D
By: Chavez H.R. No. 1278
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The safe recovery of six members of the 507th
Maintenance Company, United States Army, who had been taken
prisoner in Iraq, has been cause for thanksgiving and celebration
across the length and breadth of this country; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Edgar Adan Hernandez, Specialist Joseph
Neal Hudson, Specialist Shoshana Nyree Johnson, Private First Class
Jessica D. Lynch, Private First Class Patrick Wayne Miller, and
Sergeant James J. Riley were captured during an ambush in southern
Iraq on March 23, 2003; nine other members of their unit died as a
result of the attack; and
WHEREAS, In the days of fearful uncertainty that followed the
ambush, Americans hung on news coverage of the war, hoping for an
encouraging word about the fate of these prisoners; on April 1 the
country received with elation the announcement that Private Lynch
had been found in an Iraqi hospital and returned to American forces;
two long weeks later, on April 13, military authorities relayed the
joyful news that the five remaining prisoners from the 507th had
been rescued by Marines in northern Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Private Lynch is presently being treated at Walter
Reed Army Medical Center for injuries she sustained in the fighting
on March 23, and it is hoped that she will be released from that
facility in June; her five comrades returned to an ecstatic welcome
at Fort Bliss on April 19, 2003, and subsequently received leave to
spend time with their families; and
WHEREAS, Americans owe an immeasurable debt to these six
courageous soldiers for their devotion to duty and their country
and for the great sacrifice they have made in this nation's behalf;
as they continue to recover from the hardships they have endured,
may they know that they remain in the thoughts and hearts of
countless fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Specialist Edgar Adan Hernandez,
Specialist Joseph Neal Hudson, Specialist Shoshana Nyree Johnson,
Private First Class Jessica D. Lynch, Private First Class Patrick
Wayne Miller, and Sergeant James J. Riley for their valorous
service as members of the United States Army and extend to them
sincere appreciation for their heroic efforts; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
for these esteemed men and women as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.