83S10793 BPG-D

By: Flynn H.R. No. 251

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Colonel (Ret.) Kimberly Olson, chief executive officer of Grace After Fire, has contributed immeasurably to the well-being of female combat veterans; and

WHEREAS, A member of the first generation of female pilots in the United States Air Force, Colonel Olson helped change perceptions of women in the military over the course of a career spanning 25 years; in her current role, she assists fellow veterans in making successful transitions from the armed forces to civilian life; and

WHEREAS, Grace After Fire facilitates access to health and support services, sponsors retreats for veterans and their families, and hosts a peer-to-peer outreach, "Color Me Camo," that is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services; under the leadership of Colonel Olson, the organization has worked to aid more than 2,000 women in overcoming PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges resulting from their service to our country; she also advocates frequently for public policy that benefits female veterans, and she provided key testimony before the Texas Veterans Commission, which decided to create a program to assist female veterans in obtaining support services at the federal, state, and community levels; and

WHEREAS, Through her dedication to the mission of Grace After Fire, Colonel Olson is making a positive difference in the lives of female veterans and their families, and it is indeed fitting to honor her for her far-reaching accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Colonel (Ret.) Kimberly Olson for her achievements as chief executive officer of Grace After Fire and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success in her important endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Colonel Olson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.