SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 649

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Roque Vela on his 2013 induction into the Junior Achievement of Laredo Business Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Junior Achievement of Laredo works in partnership with business leaders and educators to inspire young people and prepare them to succeed in today's complex global economy; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Vela is a native of Laredo and a proud veteran of the United States Army; he served with distinction in the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device; and

WHEREAS, After his honorable discharge from military service, he worked for the United States Postal Service before joining Jett Bowling Lanes, Incorporated; he purchased the Tasty Burger on Park Avenue and began an arcade business before taking sole ownership of the bowling establishment in 1979; he expanded his entrepreneurship by opening the Jett Bowl North in 1987, and in 2006, he purchased the Laredo Lobos arena football team; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, Mr. Vela has given back to his community in numerous ways; he served for 12 years on the board of the Laredo Independent School District and was a Webb County commissioner; he truly deserves recognition for the fine example he has set for the young people of Laredo; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Roque Vela on his many achievements and extend congratulations to him on his induction into the Junior Achievement of Laredo Business Hall of Fame; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 15, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate