|
|
|
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. |