SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 636
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
	recognize the Special Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) of
	the Texas Army National Guard for its exceptional service; and
	WHEREAS, This elite unit is composed of members of the
	United States Army Special Forces, or Green Berets, along with
	other soldiers who are expert in the fields necessary to
	successfully complete its mission, including intelligence,
	logistics, communications, medicine, and law; the detachment is
	commanded by Colonel Douglas K. O'Connell, who is ably supported
	by his senior enlisted leader, Command Sergeant Major Benjamin
	Bitonel Jr.; and
	WHEREAS, Over the last three years, the detachment has been
	working to aid African governments in countering the growing
	threat on the African continent of such violent extremist
	organizations as Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic State in
	Iraq and Syria; soldiers from the unit have deployed to countries
	across Africa, where they have helped the military forces of our
	nation's partner countries enhance their counterterrorism
	capabilities, so that those forces are better able to deal with
	the threats and prevent their escalation; and
	WHEREAS, The dedicated men and women of the Special
	Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) have demonstrated
	exceptional courage, professionalism, and determination in
	working to ensure the safety and security of the United States
	and its allies, and it is truly fitting that they receive special
	recognition for their efforts; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
	Legislature, hereby commend the members of the Special
	Operations Detachment-Africa (Airborne) on their steadfast
	devotion to duty and extend to them best wishes for success in
	their vital mission; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
	the unit as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
	Watson
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on April 27, 2015.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate