SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 85
In Memory
of
Frank Tom Blanda
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of San Antonio in mourning the loss of Frank Tom Blanda,
who died July 21, 2005, at the age of 65; and
WHEREAS, Tom Blanda was born in Youngwood, Pennsylvania,
to Mary and Michael Blanda in 1940; an excellent student and an
outstanding athlete, he graduated from the United States
Military Academy at West Point in 1961; and
WHEREAS, Tom earned a master's degree in mathematics from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1969 and graduated from the
Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in
1975; he then served on the faculty at West Point for three years;
and
WHEREAS, Tom's military career included two tours of duty
in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and as an advisor to
a Vietnamese army unit; he also served with the 101st Airborne
at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and with the Command and General
Staff at the Pentagon; he was serving with the Fifth Army at
Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio when he retired as a lieutenant
colonel in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Tom received numerous
awards and citations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze
Star Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, Following his military career, Tom pursued his
passion for mathematics by teaching at Palo Alto College,
San Antonio College, the University of the Incarnate Word, and
the Texas Military Institute; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, Tom
gave generously of himself to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and
valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tom
leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever by his
family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Frank Tom Blanda:
his wife, Brenda; his daughters and son-in-law, Juli Blanda,
Mary "Katy" Blanda, and Holly and Jef Hershfelt; his
grandchildren, Thomas Pierce, Frank Toby Blanda, and
Ruby Hershfelt; his sister, Margaret Yakubisin; and his
brothers, George, Paul, and John Blanda; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the members of 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 Frank Tom Blanda.
Van de Putte
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on August 15, 2005, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate