TITLE: Recognizing Eugene A. Cernan for his service to the nation as a naval aviator and astronaut.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Eugene A. Cernan for his service to the nation as a naval aviator and astronaut.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Captain Eugene A. Cernan for his exceptional service to the nation as a naval aviator and astronaut; and WHEREAS, A 1956 graduate of Purdue University, Captain Cernan has left an indelible mark on the history of flight and space exploration; and WHEREAS, He served as the pilot of Gemini IX, and he twice flew to the moon, first as the lunar module pilot of Apollo X, and then as commander of Apollo XVII; he is the second American to walk in space and is the last man to have walked on the moon; and WHEREAS, Captain Cernan has received numerous commendations and awards over the course of his illustrious career, including the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with star, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Distinguished Service Medal; and WHEREAS, He has been inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the Naval Aviation Hall of Honor, and he received the first Ambassador of Exploration Award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; he is truly deserving of recognition for his many achievements and his contributions to the fields of aviation and space exploration; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Captain Eugene A. Cernan on his exceptional service to the nation and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future 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. Jackson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 16, 2011.