TITLE: In memory of Francis Gene Phillips IV.

SUMMARY: In memory of Francis Gene Phillips IV.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of United States Army Staff Sergeant Francis Gene Phillips IV, who died in the line of duty on May 4, 2013, at the age of 28, while serving the nation in Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, Francis Phillips was born August 18, 1984, in Oceanside, California; he enlisted in the military in 2004 and was deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan; after completing Ranger School in 2011, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based at Fort Bliss, and he was selected as a team leader in the reconnaissance platoon; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Phillips was serving his fourth overseas combat deployment when he gave his last full measure of devotion in the service of his country; among the awards and commendations he received were the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor; and WHEREAS, A true American hero, Sergeant Phillips has joined the long line of brave men and women who have defended our nation's security, safety, and democratic ideals; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and integrity, he gave unselfishly to others, and his devotion to duty and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and WHEREAS, He was a loving husband and father, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of United States Army Staff Sergeant Francis Gene Phillips IV; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Staff Sergeant Francis Gene Phillips IV. Rodriguez, Van de Putte Birdwell Garcia Paxton Campbell Hancock Schwertner Carona Hegar Seliger Davis Hinojosa Taylor Deuell Huffman Uresti Duncan Lucio Watson Ellis Nelson West Eltife Nichols Whitmire Estes Patrick Williams Fraser Zaffirini Dewhurst, President of the Senate President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 14, 2013, by a rising vote.