H.R. No. 1167

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately convey the heartache felt at the loss of U.S. Marine First Lieutenant Matthew R. Vandegrift, who died on April 21, 2008, at the age of 28, while bravely serving his country; and

WHEREAS, Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Lieutenant Vandegrift was killed during combat operations in Basra, Iraq; and

WHEREAS, A former resident of the Steiner Ranch community in Austin, he attended Leander High School, where he was a member of the football team; he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and was later commissioned through Officer Candidate School; and

WHEREAS, Americans owe a profound debt to our nation's servicemen and servicewomen, whose courageous efforts and enormous sacrifices are deserving of their fellow citizens' deepest respect and gratitude; and

WHEREAS, Exemplifying the highest ideals of the U.S. armed forces, Matt Vandegrift inspired others with his fortitude, tenacity, and courage; although his death has left a void in the lives of his loved ones, they will forever carry memories of this heroic young man close in their hearts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Lieutenant Matthew R. Vandegrift and extend sincerest sympathy to all those who mourn his passing; 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 Matt Vandegrift.

Gattis

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1167 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 30, 2009.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House