SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 601

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join Texans across the state in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 111th Attack Squadron, Texas Air National Guard; and

WHEREAS, The 111th Attack Squadron was created in 1917 when the United States Department of War authorized the Texas National Guard to establish an aviation squadron; originally known as the 111th Aero Squadron and reconstituted in Houston as the 111th Observation Squadron, the unit provided mapping, photography, and reconnaissance support for the 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard; and

WHEREAS, In 1933, Lieutenant Earl Showalter designed a livery for the squadron with a distinctive "Ace in the Hole" insignia signifying the squadron's ability to always win in battle; it was a large lone star reflecting its Texas heritage and utilized a black and white color scheme to represent the state's economic mainstays of oil and cotton; and

WHEREAS, Shortly before the United States entered World War II, the squadron took part in the Louisiana Maneuvers, the first peacetime war games between two field armies in American history; during the war, the squadron played an important role in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa; and

WHEREAS, The unit was redesignated the 111th Reconnaissance Squadron, and during the war on terror, the squadron reached a milestone of 3,000 consecutive combat days, was named the United States Air Force 2011 Intelligence Unit of the Year, and was the home unit to the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing's 2013 Sensor Operator of the Year and the 2015 Mission Intelligence Coordinator of the Year; it has also been at the forefront of Predator aircraft deployments in the Baltic region of Europe; and

WHEREAS, The 111th Reconnaissance Squadron was redesignated as the 111th Attack Squadron upon its conversion to operate the MQ-9 Reaper, and it has played an integral role in the defense of our country for 100 years; it is truly fitting that the unit receive special recognition in honor of this milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend the 111th Attack Squadron, Texas Air National Guard, on its illustrious history and extend to its members best wishes for a memorable 100th anniversary celebration; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the squadron as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Taylor of Galveston

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 10, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate