79R4730 JNC-D

By:  Raymond                                                      H.R. No. 221



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of U.S. Marine Lance Corporal 
Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez of Laredo suffered an immeasurable loss with 
the death of this valiant soldier in Iraq on January 13, 2005, at 
the age of 23; and
	WHEREAS, Assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd 
Marines, based in Corpus Christi, Lance Corporal Rodriguez was 
killed when his patrol came under attack in Al Anbar Province, Iraq; 
and
	WHEREAS, A loving son and brother, this courageous young 
Texan attended United South High School, where his hard work earned 
him the prestigious Panther Award; he was an active and valued 
member of the Junior ROTC, and as a colonel he helped to lead the 
group to a national championship in 1998; and
	WHEREAS, After graduating from high school in 2000, Lance 
Corporal Rodriguez joined the U.S. Marine Forces Reserve and became 
a respected employee of Buffalo Pawn, rising to the position of 
assistant manager before his deployment to Iraq in August 2005; he 
had hoped to one day serve his community as a police SWAT team 
officer; and
	WHEREAS, Juan Rodriguez's easygoing nature and zest for life 
endeared him to his family and to a host of friends, and his 
thoughtfulness and concern for others touched many hearts; and
	WHEREAS, Notwithstanding the hardships that he faced in a war 
zone, Lance Corporal Rodriguez performed his work with pride and 
professionalism, his steadfast commitment to his mission made all 
the more firm by a strongly felt desire to help the Iraqi people; 
and
	WHEREAS, Through his unwavering dedication to duty, honor, 
and this country, Juan Rodriguez embodied the highest ideals of the 
armed services, and the blessing of his life will be forever 
treasured by those who were privileged to share in the warmth of his 
love and friendship; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Lance 
Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez and extend deepest sympathy to the 
members of his family: to his parents, Rodrigo and Juana Maria 
Rodriguez; to his sister, Maria Fatima Rodriguez; and to his other 
relatives and many friends; 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 Lance 
Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez.