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79R8047 JNC-D

By:  Cook of Colorado                                             H.R. No. 519



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of U.S. Army Specialist 
Clinton R. Gertson suffered a terrible loss with the death of this 
brave young soldier in Iraq on February 19, 2005, at the age of 26; 
and
	WHEREAS, Inspired to join the army by the events of September 
11, 2001, Clint Gertson enlisted on January 6, 2003, and completed 
his original two-year tour of duty in January of this year; although 
he could have returned home at that time and had already been 
injured once, this patriotic Texan re-enlisted and was assigned to 
the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, when he was killed in 
action while on combat patrol in western Mosul; and
	WHEREAS, A beloved son and brother, he grew up on his family's 
farm in Eagle Lake, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming 
rice, and running cattle; Specialist Gertson was named football 
lineman of the year and was voted Most Spirited by his senior class 
at Rice High School; after his graduation in 1998, he went on to 
pursue his higher education at Wharton County Junior College and 
McMurry University in Abilene; and
	WHEREAS, His warm and ever-present smile, his easygoing 
nature, and his zest for life endeared him to countless friends, and 
his thoughtfulness and concern for others touched many hearts; and
	WHEREAS, Notwithstanding the hardships that he faced in a war 
zone, Specialist Gertson 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; 
his outstanding service earned him a host of accolades, including 
the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Global War on Terrorism 
Expeditionary Medal; and
	WHEREAS, Through his unwavering dedication to duty, honor, 
and this country, Clint Gertson 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 honor the life of Clinton R. Gertson and extend 
deepest sympathy to his family: to his parents, Gayle and Susan 
Gertson and Elisa Adams; to his sister, Cori Gertson; to his 
brother, Matt Gertson, and his wife, Jo Lynn; to his niece, Taylor 
Gertson; to his grandparents, Ralph and JoAnn Gertson, Martha 
Ayers, and Dick and Darlene Keeter; to his great-grandmother, Pearl 
Ulrich; and to all those who mourn the loss of this beloved young 
man; 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 Clinton 
R. Gertson.