SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 601


In Memory

of

George A. Fernandez

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins
the citizens of El Paso in mourning the tragic loss of
Master Sergeant George A. Fernandez, who died April 2, 2003,
at the age of 36; and
	WHEREAS, George Fernandez was born in El Paso in 1966 to 
Robert A. Fernandez and Betty Lou Knoch; he attended Eastwood 
High School and received an associate degree from Texas Tech 
University in 2001; and
	WHEREAS, A young man with a proud family tradition of 
military service, George joined the United States Army as an 
infantryman in 1992; after completing training, he was assigned 
to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army 
Airfield in Georgia; a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment for 
more than 10 years, he was promoted to positions of increasing 
responsibility, from Ranger team leader to platoon sergeant; at 
the time of his death, he was a master sergeant; and
	WHEREAS, Sergeant Fernandez was assigned to the Special 
Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in November
of 2002; he was part of ongoing special high-risk and secret 
missions in Northern Iraq; and
	WHEREAS, It was while serving his country in Iraq during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom that Master Sergeant Fernandez lost his 
life; and

	WHEREAS, A brave soldier and a true American hero who took 
great pride in his military service, George Fernandez was also a 
devoted husband and father, and he leaves behind memories that 
will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 
bereaved family of George A. Fernandez; 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 Master Sergeant George A. Fernandez.
                                                                       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