TITLE: Congratulating Robert Ross on being recognized in the Waco Tribune-Herald as part of its Voices of Valor series.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Robert Ross on being recognized in the Waco Tribune-Herald as part of its Voices of Valor series.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, United States Air Force veteran Robert Ross of Waco has been featured in the Waco Tribune-Herald as one of its Voices of Valor; and WHEREAS, A native of Gowanda, New York, Mr. Ross joined the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942, at the age of 18; after earning his pilot's wings in January 1944, he flew armed photographic and combat missions with the 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in the Pacific during World War II; initially assigned to the Philippines, he later relocated to the island of Ie Shima, and in one of his final flights of the conflict, he photographed the Japanese city of Nagasaki the day after it had been destroyed in the war's second atomic bomb blast; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ross eventually left active duty to pursue his education on the G.I. Bill and joined the New York National Guard; his unit was called up at the time of the Korean War, during which he was stationed in Niagara Falls and Fairbanks, Alaska; and WHEREAS, In 1970, Mr. Ross retired as a lieutenant colonel after a 28-year military career, which included flying 115 missions; this decorated veteran earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals for his exemplary service, and he went on to work for the Veterans Administration for 23 years; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Ross enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Margaret, with whom he shared his life for more than 70 years before her passing in 2016; together, the couple had the pleasure of watching their family grow to include three children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Through his bravery and devotion to our nation, Robert Ross fulfilled the highest ideals of the United States armed forces, and his fellow citizens owe him a lasting debt of gratitude for his contributions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Robert Ross on being recognized as one of the Voices of Valor by the Waco Tribune-Herald and honor him for his exemplary service to his country; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Ross as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Anderson of McLennan Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 696 was adopted by the House on March 16, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House