H.R. No. 1759



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, A group of courageous Americans has returned from 
Iraq, and these dedicated individuals hold the respect and 
admiration of all who know them for their exemplary service to this 
country; and
	WHEREAS, Members of the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 
arrived home in March 2005 after serving seven months in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom; known as the "Texas Battalion," the unit 
is composed of more than 1,000 reserve Marines and sailors, with the 
battalion headquarters, A Company, Weapons Company, and a 
detachment of C Company based in Austin, B Company based in Bossier 
City, Louisiana, and C Company based in Corpus Christi, with a 
detachment based in Harlingen; and
	WHEREAS, Stationed in the Al Anbar province, these valiant 
patriots participated in countless vehicle and foot mobile patrols 
in search of insurgents; B Company participated in action in 
Fallujah during November 2004, and in February 2005 the entire 
group conducted Operation River Blitz, which greatly hampered 
insurgency efforts throughout the Hit/Haiditha corridor; moreover, 
they spearheaded critical rebuilding efforts and played a vital 
role in securing the first-ever general elections held in Iraq on 
January 30, 2005; and
	WHEREAS, Ten members of the battalion made the ultimate 
sacrifice in service to this country and the cause of freedom, and 
we extend our thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathies to all 
those whose lives were touched by these heroic soldiers; and
	WHEREAS, People of this nation owe a profound debt of 
gratitude to these and to all of the country's military personnel, 
for they are called on to bear great, often unimaginable, burdens, 
and they render service and sacrifice that is truly beyond measure; 
and
	WHEREAS, Through their unfaltering devotion to duty, honor, 
and this nation, these brave Marines and sailors embody the highest 
ideals of the U.S. armed forces, and it is indeed a privilege to 
join in welcoming them home; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend the members of the 1st Battalion, 23rd 
Marine Regiment, for their service during Operation Iraqi Freedom 
and extend to them sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the battalion as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                            Keel

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1759 was adopted by the House on May 
25, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House