SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 789
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize Major General Joe Marshall Ernst on the occasion of 
his retirement dinner, which is being held in his honor on 
May 17, 2003; and
	WHEREAS, Joe Ernst received a bachelor's degree and a 
master's degree from Texas A&M University in 1965 and 1967, 
respectively; and
	WHEREAS, He was commissioned through the Army Reserve 
Officers' Training Corps while he was a university student, and 
from 1968 to 1969 he served in Vietnam, where he was assigned to 
the United States Procurement Agency; and
	WHEREAS, After leaving active duty, General Ernst served 
in several high-ranking positions in the Army Reserves; he was 
promoted to colonel in 1984, to brigadier general in 1991, and 
to major general in 1995; and
	WHEREAS, Over the years, General Ernst served as commander 
of the 363rd Support Group in San Marcos and as commanding general
of the 377th Theater Support Command in New Orleans; currently, 
he is the assistant deputy commanding general for reserve affairs,
United States Army Material Command, the position from which he 
is now retiring; and
	WHEREAS, For his exemplary military service, he has 
received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, the 
Bronze Star Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service
Medal with Four Bronze Stars, and the Meritorious Service Medal 
with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; and

	WHEREAS, General Ernst has spent 30 years working in 
the marketing department of the retail supermarket business, 
including 21 years with the HEB Grocery Company; and
	WHEREAS, For his lifelong commitment and outstanding 
service to his country, he has held the respect and admiration 
of his many colleagues in the military, and his presence will be 
greatly missed; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby commend Major General Joe Marshall Ernst
for his distinguished military service and extend best wishes to 
him for the retirement years ahead; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                       Wentworth




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 9, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate