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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Words cannot express the heartache felt at the loss |
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of U.S. Navy Seaman Benjamin D. Rast, who died while bravely serving |
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his country in Afghanistan on April 6, 2011, at the age of 23; and |
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WHEREAS, Seaman Rast fulfilled a longtime dream when he |
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joined the navy in 2009; trained as a medic, he was stationed at the |
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Naval Medical Center, Expeditionary Medical Force Detachment, in |
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San Diego; in 2011, he volunteered for duty in Afghanistan, where he |
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was assigned as a hospitalman with a Houston-based reserve unit |
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known as "the Lone Star Battalion"--the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine |
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Regiment; he was conducting a dismounted patrol in Helmand Province |
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when he was killed; and |
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WHEREAS, The awards conferred on this courageous young man |
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included the National Defense Service Medal, Pistol Marksmanship |
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Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and |
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WHEREAS, Exemplifying the highest ideals of the U.S. armed |
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forces, Seaman Rast inspired others through his fortitude, |
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tenacity, and dedication to his comrades-in-arms, and he has earned |
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the lasting gratitude of every American for his valiant service in |
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this nation's behalf; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Navy Seaman Benjamin D. Rast |
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and extend deepest sympathy to all those who mourn his passing; and, |
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be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
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Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of |
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U.S. Navy Seaman Benjamin D. Rast. |