TITLE: In memory of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Chauncy Ryan Mays of Cookville.

SUMMARY: In memory of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Chauncy Ryan Mays of Cookville.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The family and friends of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Chauncy Ryan Mays of Cookville suffered an immeasurable loss with the death of this valiant soldier on February 28, 2011, at the age of 25; and WHEREAS, A native of Sulphur Springs, Chauncy Mays was born on December 7, 1985; he graduated from Chapel Hill High School in Mount Pleasant in 2004 and, inspired by his meeting with an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist, went on to join the U.S. Army; following boot camp, he pursued rigorous training that qualified him to become an EOD specialist, a position that requires exceptional focus, composure, and analytical ability; and WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Mays served multiple tours in Iraq, helping to create a safe passage for infantry on patrol; later deployed to Afghanistan as a team leader with the 705th EOD Unit, he was killed while working to disarm an improvised explosive device; and WHEREAS, During his years in combat, this courageous soldier collected hundreds of IEDs so that EOD students might benefit from their study, and today, his efforts continue to save lives in combat; deservedly honored for his distinguished military service, he was awarded the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters and the Purple Heart; and WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Mays was supported in all of his endeavors by a loving family; the son of Alyson Rodgers and Tommy and Tammy Mays, he was devoted to his wife, Katherine, and his daughters, Chesnee and Kiley; and WHEREAS, Through his unwavering dedication to duty and honor, Chauncy Mays embodied the highest ideals of the United States armed forces, and his fellow citizens owe him a debt of gratitude that the passage of time can never diminish; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Chauncy Ryan Mays and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Katherine Mays; to his daughters, Chesnee and Kiley Mays; to his mother, Alyson Rodgers; to his father and stepmother, Tommy and Tammy Mays; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Chauncy Ryan Mays. Hughes President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 91 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 3, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 91 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the Senate on April 24, 2013. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor