SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 600


In Memory

of

Ruben Estrella-Soto

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins
the citizens of El Paso in mourning the tragic loss of
Ruben Estrella-Soto, who died in March of 2003, at the
age of 18; and
	WHEREAS, Ruben was the oldest of three children of
Amalia Estrella and Ruben Estrella, Sr.; he graduated from 
Mountain View High School, where he was a member of the
football team; following high school graduation, he joined
the United States Army so that he could obtain an education
and pursue his dream of becoming an engineer; and
	WHEREAS, He had been a private in the Army for seven
months and was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company from 
Fort Bliss; and
	WHEREAS, Ruben Estrella-Soto lost his life while in the 
service of his country when his company came under attack in
An Nasiriyah, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
	WHEREAS, Ruben's friends recall him with warmth and 
fondness as a teenager who enjoyed having a great time and who 
loved to make people laugh; and
	WHEREAS, Students at Ruben's alma mater have demonstrated 
their respect for this patriotic and fine young man by paying 
tribute to him on a hallway bulletin board that honors soldiers 
serving in Iraq; and

	WHEREAS, A brave soldier who lost his life while
fighting on behalf of his country and its ideals and mission, 
Ruben Estrella-Soto was truly an American hero; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 
bereaved family of Ruben Estrella-Soto; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy 
from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 
day, it do so in memory of Private Ruben Estrella-Soto.
                                                                       Shapleigh




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 10, 2003, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate