79S10272 KO-D By: Merritt H.C.R. No. 12CONCURRENT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Popular country music recording artist and native Texan Neal McCoy was named the recipient of the Humanitarian Award at the 40th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on May 17, 2005; and WHEREAS, The first "fan-voted" award in the academy's history, the Academy of Country Music/Home Depot Humanitarian Award salutes an artist in the country music industry who is committed to serving others and has a generosity of spirit and a dedication to helping build the dreams of those in need; Mr. McCoy's fan club has reported that he hopes to have a park built in the Spring Hill area of Longview, the city where he and his family reside today; and WHEREAS, More than a decade ago, Mr. McCoy and his wife, Melinda, founded the East Texas Angel Network, which provides financial support for families of children living with terminal or life-threatening illnesses; the organization has raised more than $3 million to date and has thus far helped ease some of the financial burden confronting more than 250 area families; Mr. McCoy has also participated in eight USO tours in various regions of the world where U.S. soldiers are serving, which encompassed two recent tours in the Persian Gulf region and a visit to schoolchildren in Iraq; and WHEREAS, This outstanding Texan was born and raised in Jacksonville, where he first developed his love of music as a boy watching entertainers perform on television and when the rodeo came to town; he released his first record in 1990, and since his breakout hit, "No Doubt About It," four years later, he has sold more than five million copies of his albums, which include three platinum and one gold, and has twice been voted TNN/Music City News "Entertainer of the Year"; and WHEREAS, Despite the demands of a hugely successful career in the music industry, Neal McCoy has taken the time to give back to his fellow Texans and his fellow Americans across the globe, and this prestigious award justly acknowledges his compassion and commitment to making the world a better place; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Neal McCoy on being named the 2005 Humanitarian of the Year at the 40th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards and designate October 1, 2005, as Neal McCoy Day in Texas in honor of his selfless service in behalf of those in need; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. McCoy as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.