TITLE: Recognizing John Frank Zalaznik on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

SUMMARY: Recognizing John Frank Zalaznik on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize John Frank Zalaznik on the grand occasion of his 100th birthday; and WHEREAS, John Zalaznik is an exemplary citizen who is admired in his community for his achievements, and he is a cherished resident of the Summit at Westlake in Austin; and WHEREAS, John Zalaznik was born August 18, 1913, in Holy Cross, Iowa, to a family of Slovenian immigrants, and he grew up in Pine City, Minnesota, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse; Mr. Zalaznik served his nation with distinction in the armed forces; during World War II, he participated in the Omaha Beach landing and earned a Bronze Star for his outstanding service; and WHEREAS, After the war, Mr. Zalaznik lived for many years in Yonkers, New York, where he owned and operated a successful automotive repair business and where he met Irmgard "Mimi" Maeder; the couple married in her hometown of Zurich, Switzerland, in 1956; they raised two children together, Deborah and John, and their grandchildren are Evan and Erica Holley and Kyle and Keith Zalaznik; and WHEREAS, After his 1975 retirement, he and Mimi took great pleasure in traveling the world together; in 2012, he was the oldest veteran to participate in the first Honor Flight from Austin to Washington, D.C.; Mr. Zalaznik still plays poker, attends exercise classes, and participates in many social events; and WHEREAS, A beloved and respected member of his community, he is noted for his courage, his adventurous spirit, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby congratulate John Frank Zalaznik on his achievements and extend to him best wishes for a memorable 100th birthday celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as a memento of this milestone in his life. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 19, 2013.