79S11052 JNC-D

By:  Homer                                                      H.C.R. No. 29 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, United States Army First Lieutenant Joseph C. 
Whelchel, a native of Lamar County, has been awarded the Bronze Star 
for his meritorious service in Iraq; and
	WHEREAS, From February 2004 to February 2005, this valorous 
young Texan worked as a physician's assistant with the 1st Infantry 
Division, caring for the medical needs of U.S. soldiers, the Iraqi 
Army, Iraqi police, local nationals, and enemy detainees; he is 
credited with life-saving medical interventions and treatment on 
countless occasions, including mass casualty operations; and
	WHEREAS, Lieutenant Whelchel is a graduate of Prairiland High 
School in Pattonville and Louisiana Tech University, where he 
received a master's degree in exercise physiology; one of only 25 
applicants accepted into the Army Physician Assistance program, he 
also earned a master's degree in physician assistance studies; and
	WHEREAS, Currently stationed in Germany, Lieutenant Whelchel 
is blessed with the support of his wife, Dallas, and his three 
children, Llanden, Tristan, and Chance; and
	WHEREAS, Americans owe an immeasurable debt to Lieutenant 
Whelchel and to all the members of the United States Armed Forces, 
for they have been called on to bear great, often unimaginable, 
burdens, and they have served with unsurpassed valor in defense of 
this nation and the cause of freedom; and
	WHEREAS, Lieutenant Whelchel's outstanding leadership and 
unwavering dedication to his mission exemplify the highest 
standards of the United States Armed Forces, and he is truly 
deserving of his fellow citizens' deepest respect and gratitude; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas, 
1st Called Session, hereby commend U.S. Army First Lieutenant 
Joseph C. Whelchel for his outstanding service in Iraq and 
congratulate him on earning the Bronze Star; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Lieutenant Whelchel as an expression of high regard by 
the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.