TITLE: In memory of Andrew Michael Keel.

SUMMARY: In memory of Andrew Michael Keel.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas pays tribute to the life of United States Army Captain Andrew Michael Keel, who died March 11, 2013, at the age of 28; and WHEREAS, A highly decorated soldier, Captain Andrew Keel lost his life while serving in Afghanistan; he was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; it was his second deployment to Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, Captain Keel graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2006 and was a member of the first class to attend the academy after September 11, 2001; following his graduation, he attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course and the United States Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, at Fort Hood; and WHEREAS, His first tour of duty in Afghanistan began in 2008; he was deployed for 12 months with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team and served as a company executive officer and platoon leader; during that time, he was promoted to the rank of captain; after his return from Afghanistan, Captain Keel volunteered for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course; on completion of the course, he was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group as a detachment commander in August of 2012, and he was later deployed with the unit to Afghanistan; he was proud to be among the world's most elite combat soldiers; and WHEREAS, An exemplary young man and a true American hero, Captain Keel had a deep affection for the Central Texas area; he was a frequent visitor to Austin, where he enjoyed spending time with his extended family and running the Lady Bird Lake trails with his dog, Lady; he was considering moving to Texas following his military service; and WHEREAS, Captain Keel was a devoted son and a valiant soldier who earned numerous decorations, including two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal; he was beloved by his family and many friends, and he leaves behind memories that will long be cherished by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Captain Andrew Michael Keel; 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 Andrew Keel. Birdwell Campbell Hancock Schwertner Carona Hegar Seliger Davis Hinojosa Taylor Deuell Huffman Uresti Duncan Lucio Van de Putte Ellis Nelson Watson Eltife Nichols West Estes Patrick Whitmire Fraser Paxton Williams Garcia Rodriguez Zaffirini Dewhurst, President of the Senate President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 25, 2013, by a rising vote.