SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 641


In Memory

of

Peter Jahns


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens 
of South Texas in mourning the loss of Major Peter "Oly" Jahns, of 
Cibolo, who died March 19, 2003, at the age of 39; and

	WHEREAS, Major Jahns was an instructor pilot assigned to 
the Air Force Reserve Command's 100th Flying Training Squadron; 
he lost his life in a tragic T-38 aircraft accident at Randolph 
Air Force Base; and

	WHEREAS, Pete Jahns was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and
was a 1981 graduate of Memorial High School in Houston; after 
graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1985, he 
began a career in pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base in 
Mississippi, and his first assignment was in the F-15 at Langley 
Air Force Base in Virginia; following the F-15 assignment, he 
continued instructing in Enid, Oklahoma, in the F-37; he earned 
master's degrees in aerospace engineering and international 
relations; and

	WHEREAS, After serving in the Air Force from 1985 to 1998, 
he became a pilot for United Airlines and took a leave of absence 
shortly after September 11, 2001; he had joined the Air Force 
Reserve in 1999 and was initially assigned to Laughlin Air Force 
Base before being reassigned to Randolph; and

	WHEREAS, His numerous military decorations included the 
Air Force Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal, 
and he was the Air Training Command's Instructor Pilot of the 
Year in 1991; and

	WHEREAS, Pete was known for his highly adventurous spirit; 
he loved flying and climbing, but his favorite adventure was 
being with his family; he and his wife, Rhonda, took trips
around the world together and went rock climbing, hang gliding, 
skydiving, parasailing, and white-water rafting; and

	WHEREAS, A dedicated family man, Pete spent hours with his 
daughters, Alex and Allison, taking them to the neighborhood park 
and meticulously recording their accomplishments, their height 
and weight, their first haircut, and when they uttered their 
first words; the family had recently returned from a spring 
vacation in Colorado, and Pete had been preparing for a hiking 
trip on the Appalachian Trail; and

	WHEREAS, An honorable and respected gentleman, Pete Jahns 
lived each day to the fullest, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued 
counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and
	WHEREAS, He was 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 Major Peter Jahns:  his wife, Rhonda Jahns; 
his children, Alex and Allison Jahns; his stepdaughter,
Jenea Gibson; his parents, Hans and Suse Jahns; his sisters, 
Katrin, Heide, and Elke; his sisters-in-law, Denise and Wanda; 
and his brothers-in-law, Jeff, Malcom, and Andy; and, be it 
further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared
for 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 Major Peter Jahns.
                                                                       Wentworth




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 22, 2003, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate