SR128 - In memory of Edward Greer of El Paso.

        SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 128       In Memory   of   Edward Greer            WHEREAS, The life of a trailblazing officer in the United   States Army drew to a close with the passing of Major General   (Ret.) Edward Greer of El Paso on January 29, 2025, at the age of   100; and            WHEREAS, Edward Greer was born in Gary, West Virginia, on   March 8, 1924, to Walter Greer and Vesta Long; he graduated from   West Virginia State College, and he later earned a master's   degree in international affairs from The George Washington   University; and            WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Mr. Greer   enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teenager during World War II, and   he was a member of the 777th Field Artillery Battalion, an   all-Black unit, and was elevated to master sergeant;   commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1948, he also served in   the Korean War and the Vietnam War, when he was deputy commander   of the XXIV Corps Artillery and commander of the 108th Artillery   Group; and            WHEREAS, Breaking racial barriers, Mr. Greer become one of   the first African American officers to be promoted to brigadier   general in the U.S. Army in 1972; his ascension to the rank of   major general came later that year; he rose to the positions of   deputy commanding general at Fort Leonard Wood and second in   command for the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center;   demonstrating exceptional leadership and valor in uniform, he   received multiple awards, including the Distinguished Service   Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, and   Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Joint Service   Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal; he retired in   1976, and he went on to enjoy a rewarding 30-year career in real   estate in El Paso, where he was actively engaged in the veterans   community; and            WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Greer enjoyed the love   and support of his wife of 73 years, the late Jewell Means Greer;   they raised three children, Gail, Kenneth, and Michael, and he   later took great pride in his four grandchildren and seven   great-grandchildren; and            WHEREAS, Edward Greer inspired generations of African   American military service members, and he leaves behind a legacy   that will resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be it            RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of U.S. Army Major   General (Ret.) Edward Greer and extend heartfelt sympathy to the   members of his family: to his son, Dr. Michael Edward Greer, and   his husband, Steve Bryant; to his grandchildren, Lisa Cobb,   Alissa Maru and her husband, Anteneh, Vaun Greer and  his wife,   Cynthia, and Tia Greer; to his great-grandchildren, Melia,   Morgan, Maya, Zinzi, Clarke, Jude, and AK; and 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 Senate adjourns   this day, it do so in memory of Edward Greer.     Blanco                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on February 25, 2025,     by a rising vote.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate