TITLE: Honoring the life of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Paul Peter Mendes of The Woodlands.

SUMMARY: Honoring the life of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Paul Peter Mendes of The Woodlands.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Paul Peter Mendes of The Woodlands on August 21, 2019, at the age of 75; and WHEREAS, The son of Vincent Joseph Mendes and Kathleen Kavookjian Mendes, Paul Mendes was born in New York City on May 9, 1944, and he grew up in Highlands, New Jersey, with the companionship of his brothers, Haik, Thomas, and Vincent; he earned a bachelor's degree in photoengraving with a minor in photography from Sam Houston State University, where he joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and he later completed a master's degree in public service administration; and WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Colonel Mendes began his career in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer, and he served three tours in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Berets; after the fall of Saigon, he volunteered to join the Joint Casualty Resolution Center, and he later worked in military intelligence and served in assignments around the globe; he ultimately attained the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he served as headquarters commandant at Fort Lewis before his retirement in 1993; and WHEREAS, Colonel Mendes received numerous military honors, including four Bronze Stars with citations for valor, a Meritorious Service Medal, an Air Medal, three Overseas Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and two National Defense Service Medals; and WHEREAS, Returning to civilian life, Colonel Mendes worked in city management, and he distinguished himself in his role as city administrator of Magnolia; in all his endeavors, he enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Charlotte, and he took great pride in their two children, Laura and Paul; over the years, his treasured family grew to include two granddaughters, Kaeley and Hannah; and WHEREAS, Colonel Mendes's legacy of service is being recognized through efforts to rename a portion of State Highway 249 in Montgomery County as the Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway; and WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family, his country, and his community, Paul Mendes will forever be a source of inspiration to those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Paul Peter Mendes and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; 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 Paul Mendes. Bell of Montgomery Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2370 was adopted by the House on May 29, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House