79S31150 MMS-D

By:  Quintanilla                                                  H.R. No. 615



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Words cannot express the heartache felt at the loss 
of Sergeant Israel Devora Garcia of Clint, who died in Iraq on April 
1, 2006, at the age of 23; and
	WHEREAS, Sergeant Devora Garcia was attached to Headquarters 
Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st 
Armored Division, based in Baumholder, Germany, and was serving his 
second tour of duty in Iraq; he was mortally wounded while 
conducting a dismounted patrol in Baghdad; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Israel Devora Garcia came 
to the United States at the age of six and graduated in 2001 from 
Clint High School, where he was an honor student; although he 
completed all his required courses ahead of schedule and was told 
that he only needed to attend school part-time, he insisted on 
attending for the full day and in his spare time he tutored others; 
and
	WHEREAS, Drawn to the military at an early age, Sergeant 
Devora Garcia spent four years in the Junior Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps and demonstrated a notable capacity for leadership; 
in addition to winning numerous first- and second-place medals 
during weeklong camps at Fort Bliss, he attained the rank of major 
and served as executive officer of his unit; and
	WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever remember Israel 
Devora Garcia for his cheerful nature, his great zest for life, and 
his strong desire to help others; for relaxation in his leisure 
time, he enjoyed playing the guitar with friends, and he had a 
special passion for soccer; after fulfilling his commitment to the 
army, he planned to study law enforcement at Texas A&M University 
and then join the FBI or the border patrol; and
	WHEREAS, Sergeant Devora Garcia earned United States 
citizenship shortly before he died, and he was officially 
proclaimed a citizen during a ceremony at the Clint Cemetery; and
	WHEREAS, Notwithstanding the dangerous nature of his 
mission, this courageous soldier performed his mission with 
dedication and professionalism; the awards and decorations 
conferred on him include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart; and
	WHEREAS, Through his unfaltering devotion to duty, honor, and 
this country, Sergeant Israel Devora Garcia embodied the highest 
ideals of the United States armed forces, and his valiant efforts 
and immeasurable sacrifice are deserving of honor by every 
American; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Sergeant Israel Devora Garcia and extend sincere sympathy to the 
members of his family:  to his mother and father, Frances and 
Lorenzo Sandoval; to his sister, Rosa E. Sandoval, and his 
brothers, Adrian Sandoval and Lorenzo Sandoval, Jr.; and to all who 
mourn the passing of this beloved young man; 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 Sergeant 
Israel Devora Garcia.