79R18355 KO-D

By:  Merritt                                                    H.C.R. No. 221



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Popular country music recording artist and native 
Texan Neal McCoy was named the recipient of the Humanitarian Award 
at the 40th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on May 17, 2005; 
and
	WHEREAS, The first "fan-voted" award in the academy's 
history, the Academy of Country Music/Home Depot Humanitarian Award 
salutes an artist in the country music industry who is committed to 
serving others and has a generosity of spirit and a dedication to 
helping build the dreams of those in need; for his achievement, Mr. 
McCoy wins the opportunity to have a playground built in the 
community of his choice through the efforts of Home Depot and 
KaBOOM!, a nonprofit organization that brings together volunteers 
to build much-needed playgrounds in one-day "barn-raising" 
construction events; Mr. McCoy's fan club has reported that he 
hopes to have a park built in the Spring Hill area of Longview, the 
city where he and his family reside today; and
	WHEREAS, This outstanding Texan was born and raised in 
Jacksonville, where he first developed his love of music as a boy 
watching entertainers perform on television and when the rodeo came 
to town; he released his first record in 1990, and since his 
breakout hit, "No Doubt About It," four years later, he has sold 
more than five million copies of his albums, which include three 
platinum and one gold, and has twice been voted TNN/Music City News 
"Entertainer of the Year"; and
	WHEREAS, More than a decade ago, Mr. McCoy and his wife, 
Melinda, founded the East Texas Angel Network, which provides 
financial support for families of children living with terminal or 
life-threatening illnesses; the organization has raised more than 
$3 million to date and has thus far helped ease some of the 
financial burden confronting more than 250 area families; Mr. McCoy 
has also participated in eight USO tours in various regions of the 
world where U.S. soldiers are serving, which encompassed two recent 
tours in the Persian Gulf region and a visit to schoolchildren in 
Iraq; and
	WHEREAS, Despite the demands of a hugely successful career in 
the music industry, Neal McCoy has taken the time to give back to 
his fellow Texans and his fellow Americans across the globe, and 
this prestigious award justly acknowledges his compassion and 
commitment to making the world a better place; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby congratulate Neal McCoy on being named the 2005 Humanitarian 
of the Year at the 40th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards and 
designate October 1, 2005, as Neal McCoy Day in Texas in honor of 
his selfless service in behalf of those in need; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. McCoy as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives and Senate.