79S10782 JNC-D

By:  Keel                                                         H.R. No. 259


R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The family and friends of U.S. Army Specialist Rafael A. "T. J." Carrillo, Jr., of Austin suffered an immeasurable loss with the death of this valiant 21-year-old soldier on June 28, 2005; and WHEREAS, Specialist Carrillo, a member of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry, was killed while serving his second tour of duty in Iraq; notwithstanding the hardships that he faced in a war zone, he performed his work with pride and professionalism, his steadfast commitment to his mission made all the more firm by a strongly felt desire to help the Iraqi people; and WHEREAS, Born on November 24, 1983, this courageous young Texan was a graduate of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch in Amarillo, where he was active in football, wrestling, and the chapel program; a member of the first unit to enter Baghdad during his first tour of duty in 2003, he was the deserving recipient of a Combat Infantry Badge; and WHEREAS, Through his unwavering dedication to duty, honor, and this nation, T. J. Carrillo embodied the highest ideals of the armed services, and the blessing of his life will be forever treasured by those who were privileged to share in the warmth of his love and friendship; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Army Specialist Rafael A. "T. J." Carrillo, Jr., and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his mother and stepfather, Amy and Jess Tippie; to his father, Tony Carrillo; to his sister, Julia Carrillo; to his stepbrother, Brice Tippie; to his grandparents, James and Gail White and Edna Chisum; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of U.S. Army Specialist Rafael A. "T. J." Carrillo, Jr.