79R9081 MMS-D

By:  Orr                                                        H.C.R. No. 118



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The members of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport 
Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), based at NAS Fort Worth, Joint Reserve 
Base, have rendered exceptional service to their country during 
their mobilization for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation 
Iraqi Freedom as part of the Global War on Terrorism; and
	WHEREAS, A detachment of six aircraft and more than half the 
squadron personnel from VMGR-234 were mobilized in January 2002 to 
serve overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom; from February through 
May and from July to November 2002, the VMGR-234 deployed aircraft 
and personnel to forward operating bases in Bahrain, Afghanistan, 
Pakistan, and Kyrghyzstan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 
and to assist various ground and aviation units in the Middle East; 
and
	WHEREAS, In January 2003, all remaining reserve personnel and 
aircraft were mobilized for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 
the entire unit remained mobilized until January 2005; from January 
through October 2003, the squadron supported combat and 
nation-building activities in Iraq while attached to the First 
Marine Expeditionary Force; between the summer of 2002 and January 
2005, the Marines of VMGR-234 also supported operations and 
training in Kosovo and the eastern Mediterranean, Okinawa, Korea, 
Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Horn of Africa; most of these 
deployments were in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism 
and other U.S. military operations; and
	WHEREAS, During the three years of their mobilization, the 
dedicated Marines of VMGR-234 flew more than 6,700 sorties and 
logged over 17,500 flight hours, of which almost 14,000 were logged 
overseas; the squadron carried nearly 41,000 passengers, delivered 
more than 22 million pounds of cargo, and supplied over 15 million 
pounds of fuel to fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters through 
in-air refueling; and
	WHEREAS, This gallant squadron received the Presidential 
Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action in Iraq in the 
spring of 2003; and
	WHEREAS, Through their courage, professionalism, and 
unfaltering commitment to duty, the members of VMGR-234 exemplify 
the highest standards of the United States Marine Corps, and their 
fellow citizens owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude for 
their steadfast efforts in serving this nation; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby honor all those who have served in the U.S. Marine Corps 
since September 11, 2001, and especially commend the members of 
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 for their valiant and 
selfless service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.