79R2783 JTR-D

By:  Brown of Kaufman                                             H.R. No. 380



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Those Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice 
for their country are truly deserving of special recognition, and 
U.S. Army Specialist Chad Drake was one such individual; and
	WHEREAS, Specialist Drake enlisted in the Army in August 
2001, and was sent to serve in Iraq on March 13, 2004, his 23rd 
birthday; and
	WHEREAS, A dedicated soldier, Specialist Drake approached 
his work with both diligence and modesty and brushed off praise for 
his patriotic service by insisting that he was simply doing his job; 
and
	WHEREAS, Specialist Drake's steadfast commitment to his 
mission continued until he was killed in action on September 7, 
2004, and he is scheduled to receive both the Bronze Star and the 
Purple Heart posthumously in tribute to his bravery; and
	WHEREAS, No words can assuage the pain caused by this brave 
Texan's death, and we join his loved ones in mourning the loss of a 
young man of great accomplishment and greater promise; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Army Specialist 
Chad Drake and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family:  to his 
wife, Randi Drake; to his daughter, Kaylee Drake; to his mother, 
Ginger Drake; to his sister, Jennifer Ott; to his parents-in-law, 
John and Kim Ewell; and to his other relatives and many friends; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House 
of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of U.S. 
Army Specialist Chad Drake.