TITLE: Commending Don Pettigrew on his work with the Medal of Honor Host City program.

SUMMARY: Commending Don Pettigrew on his work with the Medal of Honor Host City program.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Don Pettigrew of Gainesville has rendered exemplary service to the Medal of Honor Host City program; and WHEREAS, A member of the Bowie High School Class of 1968, Mr. Pettigrew answered his nation's call to duty during the Vietnam War, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps and serving as a rifleman for two years; decorated with the Purple Heart, the Navy Commendation Medal with "V" device, and the Combat Action Ribbon, he received several service and campaign medals and unit citations as well; and WHEREAS, After returning to civilian life, Mr. Pettigrew earned a bachelor's degree from North Texas State University, and in 1985 he became an adult probation officer with the Cooke County Community Supervision and Corrections Department; during his 21-year tenure with that agency, he also served as the community service coordinator, overseeing the CSCD work crew and assisting with a number of significant projects to enhance and benefit the community; in addition, he played a vital role in planning and setting up the CSCD Food Bank; and WHEREAS, Mr. Pettigrew has further contributed to his community through his extensive involvement in the Medal of Honor Host City program; he was the driving force behind the creation of the program, which was organized in 2001 and which is the only undertaking of its kind in the country; each year, recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award for valor, are invited to Gainesville for a celebration that pays tribute to their heroism and that enables area residents to meet and visit with the honorees; activities are planned with a special view to giving children an opportunity to hear from, and talk with, these inspiring figures; Mr. Pettigrew served as the program's inaugural president for seven years, and today he works as a liaison to the featured guests; he also guided the construction of the Medal of Honor Park, which was dedicated in April 2015; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his community and his country, Don Pettigrew has been instrumental in establishing this annual occasion saluting the most gallant members and veterans of this country's armed forces, and he has helped to instill the ideals of patriotism, selflessness, and service in Gainesville's rising generation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Don Pettigrew on his outstanding work in behalf of the Medal of Honor Host City program and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Pettigrew as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Springer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 148 was adopted by the House on August 15, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House