SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 181


In Memory

of

Joseph E. Rodriguez

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and 
commemorates the life of United States Army Staff Sergeant
Joseph E. Rodriguez, who died January 28, 2005, at the age of
25; and
	WHEREAS, Joseph Rodriguez died while courageously serving
his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom; deployed to Iraq in 
March, 2004, Joseph was a squadron leader with the 8th Engineer 
Battalion, 1st Cavalry, based at Fort Hood, Texas; he was serving
in Baghdad when his convoy was ambushed by insurgents; and
	WHEREAS, Joseph lived most of his childhood with his mother 
in New Mexico and spent summers with his father in Brownsville; 
he played high school football and rugby; and
	WHEREAS, Since he was a child, Joseph wanted to serve in 
the military; he was proud of his father for having served two 
tours of duty in Vietnam, and he wanted to make a difference in 
the world; he believed strongly in the war in Iraq; and
	WHEREAS, With his future career in mind, Joseph planned 
to attend warrant officer school and train to be a pilot; he was 
recently nominated for a Bronze Star; and
	WHEREAS, Joseph was a brave soldier who fought on behalf
of his country's ideals and goals; he believed in the right of 
others throughout the world to be free; and
	WHEREAS, Joseph Rodriguez was a devoted husband, father, 
and son, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured 
forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 
bereaved family of Joseph E. Rodriguez; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared
for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the 
Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day,
it do so in memory of Joseph E. Rodriguez.
                                                                        Hinojosa




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 21, 2005, 
by a rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate