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