SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1018
In Memory
of
Wesley Robert Riggs
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the heartache
felt at the loss of United States Army Private First Class
Wesley Robert Riggs of Beach City, who died in Iraq on May 17, 2005,
at the age of 19; and
WHEREAS, A member of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry
Regiment, Private Riggs was mortally injured by a roadside bomb
while conducting a patrol near Tikrit; and
WHEREAS, Despite the dangerous nature of his assignment
in Iraq, this brave Texan took great pride in his work and was
committed to fulfilling his mission to the very best of his
ability; courageous and steadfast, he earned the Army Service
Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National
Defense Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple
Heart; and
WHEREAS, Private Riggs graduated from Barbers Hill High
School in 2003; he enlisted in the armed services in February
2004 and hoped to one day pursue a career in law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, Known for his love of fishing, spending time on
the water, and mudding in his Tahoe Z71, he was a member of the
Team Houston Olympic weight-lifting team and of Holy Trinity
Catholic Church in Mont Belvieu; and
WHEREAS, Our state and nation are fortunate to have young
men and women whose love of country leads them to military duty,
and time can never diminish the profound debt that Americans owe
to Wesley Robert Riggs for the service he undertook and the
sacrifice he rendered; and
WHEREAS, The thoughts and prayers of many go out to the
family of this beloved young man; he was a soldier of honor and
valor, and those who knew and cherished him will forever carry
him close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Private First
Class Wesley Robert Riggs and extend deepest sympathy to the
members of his family: his fiancé, Christina Dew; his parents,
Daniel and Vicki Riggs, Gayle McDermott and Roy Chavez, and
Robert McDermott; his brothers, Patrick and Kevin McDermott,
Daniel Riggs II, and J. William and Justin Kirk; his grandparents,
Jared and Helen Riggs, Sally Cobb, Martha and Eddie Barthomley,
and Phillip and Connie Sterling; and 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 Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of United States Army Private
First Class Wesley Robert Riggs.
Williams
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 25, 2005, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate