By:  Thompson                                                     H.R. No. 547



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Throughout its rich history, Prairie View A&M 
University, a leading national historically black university, has 
encouraged the young men and women of Texas to pursue military 
careers by offering outstanding ROTC programs that provide the 
structure, discipline, and training essential to the development of 
future military leaders; and
	WHEREAS, Boasting the first Naval ROTC program established at 
a historically black university in 1968, the institution has 
produced approximately 300 commissioned officers for the United 
States Navy and Marines; and
	WHEREAS, From its first graduating class of 13 commissioned 
officers, 10 went on to become captains in the U.S. Navy; among 
these distinguished alumni are Rear Admiral O. V. Combs Jr., 
designer of the first nuclear powered attack submarine for the U.S. 
Navy, and Rear Vice Admiral David Brewer, the highest ranking 
African American in the U.S. Navy; and
	WHEREAS, The Army ROTC program has graduated more than 1,000 
officers and enlisted service people, many of whom have served with 
distinction in World War II, The Korean conflict, the Vietnam war, 
Desert storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq; notable former students 
include, Lieutenant Generals Marvin Brailsford, Julius C. Becton 
and Billy Solomon, Major General Julius Parker, Brigadier Generals 
Johnny Forte, Calvin Waller and George Wooley; and
	WHEREAS, Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the ROTC 
programs at Prairie View A&M University, which have shaped the 
lives of dedicated, talented, and valorous men and women, both 
living and dead, for service in defense of this great nation; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of State of Texas, 79th 
Legislature, hereby honor Prairie View A&M University for its 
contributions to the national defense of our country through its 
Army and Naval ROTC programs; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the institution as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas Senate.