TITLE: Recognizing the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and WHEREAS, The 36th Infantry Division was established on July 18, 1917; composed of National Guard soldiers from Texas and Oklahoma, the unit was deployed to Europe during World War I and fought in the pivotal Meuse-Argonne Offensive; and WHEREAS, In World War II, the 36th Infantry Division took part in several of the crucial battles that shaped the outcome of the war; the unit participated in amphibious landings and was instrumental in securing several regions in France as well as cities across the Italian peninsula; it was responsible for the capture of Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt, commander of German armed forces on the Western Front; and WHEREAS, Since 2003, the 36th Infantry Division has played a vital role in fighting terrorism during multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan; in 2016, while stationed in southern Afghanistan, it became the first National Guard division to provide command and control of a combat region in Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, Over the course of its history, the 36th Infantry Division has earned 12 Presidential Unit Citations; 80 of its soldiers have received the Distinguished Service Cross, and 14 have received the Medal of Honor; it is truly fitting that this exceptional division receive special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the storied history of the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard and extend to its officers and soldiers best wishes for a memorable 100th anniversary celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for this esteemed unit as an expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 1, 2017.