79R15661 JNC-D

By:  Bohac                                                        H.R. No. 1567



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The death of Alfred C. Habelman of Houston on April 
1, 2005, while working in Iraq for a California-based construction 
company, brought a profound loss to his family, friends, and many 
admirers; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Habelman was born on July 19, 1951, and attended 
Spring Woods High School, where he was an all-district football and 
baseball player; he graduated from Sam Houston State University and 
played professional baseball with the Montreal Expos organization 
before an injury led him to enlist in the Army; and
	WHEREAS, A highly decorated, 31-year veteran of the U.S. 
Army, Mr. Habelman served with distinction as a Green Beret, 
Airborne Ranger, and Special Forces Leader; he earned the rank of 
Brigade Command Sergeant Major and served this nation with the most 
decorated unit in the Republic of Vietnam, the 5th Special Forces 
Group, and with the 1st Special Action Force in Indochina; and
	WHEREAS, This brave Texan also served as part of Operation 
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he led the 7th Cavalry 
Regiment to become the first Apache unit certified combat ready in 
the history of the reserves; and
	WHEREAS, He regularly demonstrated steadfast courage and 
unwavering commitment to his missions, and for his noble efforts he 
was accorded a host of prestigious military accolades, including 
several Meritorious Service medals, Army Commendation Medal, Army 
Achievement Medal, and the Army Forces Expeditionary Medal; and
	WHEREAS, Possessed of countless talents and skills, Mr. 
Habelman was a multi-engine air transport pilot, a single-engine 
and multi-engine commercial pilot, and a flight instructor as well 
as a medical specialist, underwater expert, and first degree black 
belt in Tae Kwan Do; and
	WHEREAS, Al Habelman was an outstanding soldier and civilian 
whose exceptional achievements and profound dedication to the 
welfare of others are an inspiration to all Americans; although his 
presence will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on in the 
hearts of those whose lives he so richly blessed; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Alfred C. 
Habelman and extend deepest sympathy to his mother and to all those 
who mourn the loss of this beloved man; 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 Alfred C. 
Habelman.