TITLE: Recognizing Joyce L. Stevens on the occasion of her retirement.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Joyce L. Stevens on the occasion of her retirement.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Major General Joyce L. Stevens is retiring as assistant adjutant general-Army, Texas National Guard and commander of the Texas Army National Guard on July 13, 2013, drawing to a close a notable career in the armed forces that has spanned three and a half decades; and WHEREAS, Since beginning her military service in 1979, General Stevens has distinguished herself in a wide variety of postings; between 2004 and 2006, she served as a brigade level task force commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where her unit was responsible for the management and security of Bagram Air Field and for security and reconstruction projects in Kapisa, Parwan, and Panjshir Provinces; and WHEREAS, Since returning home, General Stevens has served in multiple leadership roles in Austin, including as commander of the 111th Area Support Group, 71st Troop Command, deputy commander of the Headquarters Company, 36th Infantry Division, commander of the Texas Army National Guard, and assistant adjutant general-Army, Texas National Guard, in which capacity she is principal advisor on army matters to the adjutant general of Texas; and WHEREAS, General Stevens holds a bachelor's degree in human resources from Park College, and she has pursued her military education at the United States Army War College, the United States Army Logistics Management College, the United States Army Management Staff College, the National Guard Bureau, and the National Defense University, among others; and WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's many awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster; she has also received the Honorable Order of Saint Martin award from the Association of Quartermasters; and WHEREAS, Through her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the defense of her state and nation, General Stevens has greatly benefited her fellow Americans and has earned the respect and admiration of her peers, and she may indeed reflect with pride on a career well spent as she embarks on the next exciting chapter of her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend Major General Joyce L. Stevens on her retirement from the Texas Army National Guard and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for General Stevens as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Campbell President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 12, 2013.