TITLE: In memory of U.S. Marine Major Nathan W. Anderson of Amarillo.

SUMMARY: In memory of U.S. Marine Major Nathan W. Anderson of Amarillo.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The family and friends of U.S. Marine Major Nathan W. Anderson suffered an immeasurable loss with the death of this valiant soldier on February 22, 2012, at the age of 32; and WHEREAS, Assigned to the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Major Anderson was tragically killed while conducting a nighttime training exercise at the Yuma Training Range Complex near the Arizona-California border; and WHEREAS, Nathan Anderson graduated from Amarillo High School in 1998 and attended Texas A&M University on an ROTC scholarship; he was a member of the Corps of Cadets Company H-1 and served as a Ross Volunteer; he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 20, 2002, and finished in the top 10 percent of his class at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia; determined to become a pilot, he attended flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and earned his wings on February 25, 2005; and WHEREAS, Major Anderson excelled as a Huey helicopter pilot and was a natural leader who helped train and mentor others; after completing three tours of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was invited to become an instructor pilot with the elite Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One; his many decorations include an Individual Air Medal for heroism, Air Medal with Strike/Flight (numeral 2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Unit Commendation with bronze star in lieu of second award, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign medal with two bronze stars for subsequent deployments, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two bronze stars for subsequent deployments; and WHEREAS, Known for his dedicated work ethic, quiet confidence, and sweet smirk, Nathan Anderson was selflessly devoted to his beloved wife, Amanda, and their two young sons, Randon and William; and WHEREAS, Through his unwavering dedication to duty and honor, Nathan Anderson embodied the highest ideals of the United States armed forces, and his fellow citizens owe him a debt of gratitude that the passage of time can never diminish; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Marine Major Nathan W. Anderson and extend sincere sympathy to his wife, Amanda, his sons, Randon and William, his mother, Kinnette Anderson, and his father, Kerry Anderson, and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Major Nathan Anderson. Price Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3005 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 26, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House