SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 309
	In Memory
	of
	Jose Alfredo Velez
	Andrew Velez
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
	residents of Lubbock and citizens across the state in mourning
	the tragic loss of Corporal Jose Alfredo "Freddy" Velez and of
	Specialist Andrew Velez; and
	WHEREAS, Freddy Velez died November 13, 2004, at the
	age of 23, while serving his country in Iraq, and Andrew died
	July 25, 2006, at the age of 22, while serving his country in
	Afghanistan; they both were true American heroes whose wartime
	deaths have left a tremendous void in the lives of all who knew
	and loved them; and
	WHEREAS, Close brothers who grew up in the Lubbock
	community, Freddy was born October 21, 1981, and Andrew was born
	October 26, 1983; they were both talented athletes and played
	football together at Estacado High School; the brothers also
	competed in track, wrestling, and basketball; Freddy was in the
	high school's medical magnet program, and Andrew's interests
	were in criminal justice; and
	WHEREAS, Freddy joined the United States Army in
	August of 2000 and was assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion,
	7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry
	Division; Andrew followed his brother into the military and was
	assigned to the Corps Support Battalion, Theater Support Command,
	Fort Irwin, California; and
	WHEREAS, Freddy and Andrew were dedicated to their military
	responsibilities and were highly patriotic soldiers who
	demonstrated unwavering resolve; following the death of his
	brother Freddy, who had been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge
	and posthumously the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, Andrew was
	determined to continue the fight against terrorism and to return
	to combat; they were the first brothers to die while serving in
	our nation's military in Afghanistan and Iraq; and
	WHEREAS, Raised in a loving and close-knit family by their
	father, Roy Velez, and his wife, Carmen, Freddy and Andrew grew
	up sharing their enthusiasm for life with each other and with
	their family and friends; they then became honorable and
	courageous soldiers who will long be remembered for their
	tenacity and loyalty to their country; and
	WHEREAS, Although Freddy and Andrew are deeply missed, the
	bond between them and their strong spirits will continue to abide
	for years to come in the hearts of all who loved them and all who
	were privileged to share in their lives; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
	80th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the
	bereaved family members of Jose Alfredo Velez and Andrew Velez;
	and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
	their family members as an expression of deepest sympathy from
	the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it
	do so in memory of Corporal Jose Alfredo Velez and Specialist
	Andrew Velez.
	Duncan
	Averitt Hegar Shapiro
	Brimer Hinojosa Shapleigh
	Carona Jackson Uresti
	Deuell Janek Van de Putte
	Ellis Lucio Watson
	Eltife Nelson Wentworth
	Estes Nichols West
	Fraser Ogden Whitmire
	Gallegos Patrick Williams
	Harris Seliger Zaffirini
	Dewhurst, President of the Senate
	________________________________
	________________________________
	President of the Senate
	I hereby certify that the
	above Resolution was adopted by
	the Senate on February 21, 2007,
	by a rising vote.
	________________________________
	________________________________
	Secretary of the Senate
	________________________________
	________________________________
	Member, Texas Senate