SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 653

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize John Avila, Jr., who is being honored by Leadership 
Fort Worth at its annual Fellows Dinner; and

	WHEREAS, Owner, president, and chief executive
officer of Thomas S. Byrne, Limited, John Avila is a retired
brigadier general of the United States Army Reserve and a former 
commissioner of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; and

	WHEREAS, John is active in numerous philanthropic and 
health organizations, including the American Heart Association, 
Habitat for Humanity, the Fort Worth Boys and Girls Club, the 
Tarrant County Mental Health Association, and many others; and

	WHEREAS, As the head of the contracting firm that has built 
or renovated such Texas landmarks as the Bob Bullock Texas State 
History Museum, the Dallas County Courthouse, and the Kimbell Art 
Museum, John Avila has contributed to the cultural and economic 
development of our state and is truly deserving of recognition; 
now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby commend John Avila, Jr., for the 
contributions he has made to Fort Worth and to the State of Texas; 
and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
                                                                          Nelson




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 20, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate