SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 240

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson Jr. on his lifelong dedication to the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation and his unwavering commitment to public service; and

WHEREAS, Born into a proud legacy of leadership as the son of the late Mikko Skalaaba Herbert Johnson Sr. and Deloris Johnson, Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson is a Second Chief and a member of the Deer Clan of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas who has devoted himself to preserving and strengthening his tribe; after graduating from Big Sandy High School, he attended Lon Morris College on a baseball scholarship and studied early childhood education at Angelina College; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson began his career in public service as a teacher assistant at the Alabama-Coushatta Head Start; he completed firefighter training at the Texas A&M Extension Service Fire School, and for more than 30 years, he has diligently served the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation Volunteer Fire Department to safeguard his community; and

WHEREAS, Herbert Johnson served as the first president of the Alabama-Coushatta Youth Council and has continued his leadership in tribal and civic affairs and an Elder and Clerk of Session at the Indian Presbyterian Church; he actively supports numerous youth programs and community initiatives, including the Lil Dribblers basketball program, pow-wows, and holiday celebrations, and his Christmas Eve charity drives have become a cherished local tradition; and

WHEREAS, A trusted voice in the community, Mr. Johnson provides updates and news to tribal members as host of the KREZ Podcast, and he serves on the boards of the Tyler, Angelina, and Polk County Chambers of Commerce as well as the board of Polk County CARES; and

WHEREAS, A gifted speaker and cultural ambassador, this esteemed chief frequently serves as Master of Ceremonies at various celebrations and at pow-wows nationwide, and as Mikko Istimaatokla, he is committed to preserving the rich language, history, and culture of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation for future generations; and

WHEREAS, A devoted husband and father, Mr. Johnson and his wife, Victoria, are the proud parents of their daughters, Aaliyah and Stormi, and his deep-rooted love for family extends to his siblings, nieces, and nephew, all of whom benefit from his guidance and support; and

WHEREAS, Through his local government leadership and tireless commitment to public service, Herbert Johnson Jr. has enriched the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation and has made an enduring impact in his community and state, and it is truly fitting that he receive special recognition for his dedication to his culture and for his legacy of service that continues to inspire all who know him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby commend Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson Jr. on his outstanding contributions to the Lone Star State and extend to him best wishes for success in all of his endeavors; and, be it further

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

Nichols

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 12, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate