79R18604 JNC-D

By:  Hilderbran                                                   H.R. No. 2033



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of Captain Andrew Houghton 
suffered an immeasurable loss with the death of this courageous 
young soldier on August 9, 2004, at the age of 25; and
	WHEREAS, Assigned to the 1/4 Cavalry Squadron of the Army's 
1st Division, Captain Houghton was mortally wounded in a 
rocket-propelled grenade attack while on patrol north of Baghdad; 
deployed to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom in February 2004, he 
demonstrated steadfast courage and an unwavering commitment to his 
missions, and his exceptional efforts earned him the Purple Heart; 
and
	WHEREAS, A Houston native and former Eagle Scout, Captain 
Houghton graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School in 
1997, and went on to attend the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at 
West Point, where he participated in the Marine Corps Marathon and 
helped to organize the Special Olympics; and
	WHEREAS, Our state and our nation are fortunate to have young 
men and women whose love for their country inspires them to military 
service, yet the tragic death of this exemplary young man is a 
sobering reminder of the cost of war; Americans owe a profound debt 
to our nation's servicemen and women, whose valiant efforts and 
enormous sacrifices are deserving of their fellow citizens' deepest 
respect and gratitude; and
	WHEREAS, Andy Houghton is remembered by all who knew him for 
his ever-present smile and generosity of spirit; although he will 
be sorely missed by his family, friends, and fellow soldiers, his 
bravery and his heroism will not be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Captain Andrew R. 
Houghton and extend profound sympathy to the members of his family: 
to his parents, George and Cindy Houghton; to his brother, Matt 
Houghton; and to his other relatives and many friends; 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 U.S. Army 
Captain Andrew R. Houghton.