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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 636
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WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize the Special Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) of |
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the Texas Army National Guard for its exceptional service; and |
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WHEREAS, This elite unit is composed of members of the |
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United States Army Special Forces, or Green Berets, along with |
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other soldiers who are expert in the fields necessary to |
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successfully complete its mission, including intelligence, |
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logistics, communications, medicine, and law; the detachment is |
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commanded by Colonel Douglas K. O'Connell, who is ably supported |
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by his senior enlisted leader, Command Sergeant Major Benjamin |
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Bitonel Jr.; and |
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WHEREAS, Over the last three years, the detachment has been |
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working to aid African governments in countering the growing |
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threat on the African continent of such violent extremist |
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organizations as Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State in |
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Iraq and Syria; soldiers from the unit have deployed to countries |
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across Africa, where they have helped the military forces of our |
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nation's partner countries enhance their counterterrorism |
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capabilities, so that those forces are better able to deal with |
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the threats and prevent their escalation; and |
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WHEREAS, The dedicated men and women of the Special |
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Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) have demonstrated |
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exceptional courage, professionalism, and determination in |
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working to ensure the safety and security of the United States |
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and its allies, and it is truly fitting that they receive special |
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recognition for their efforts; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th |
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Legislature, hereby commend the members of the Special |
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Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) on their steadfast |
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devotion to duty and extend to them best wishes for success in |
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their vital mission; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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the unit as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. |
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Watson |
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________________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on April 27, 2015. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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Member, Texas Senate |