SR240 - Recognizing Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson Jr. for his dedication to the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation and his commitment to public service.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 240          WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to   recognize Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson Jr. on his lifelong   dedication to the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation and his   unwavering commitment to public service; and            WHEREAS, Born into a proud legacy of leadership as the son   of the late Mikko Skalaaba Herbert Johnson Sr. and Deloris   Johnson, Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson is a Second Chief and a   member of the Deer Clan of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas   who has devoted himself to preserving and strengthening his   tribe; after graduating from Big Sandy High School, he attended   Lon Morris College on a baseball scholarship and studied early   childhood education at Angelina College; and            WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson began his career in public service as   a teacher assistant at the Alabama-Coushatta Head Start; he   completed firefighter training at the Texas A&M Extension   Service Fire School, and for more than 30 years, he has   diligently served the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation Volunteer   Fire Department to safeguard his community; and            WHEREAS, Herbert Johnson served as the first president of   the Alabama-Coushatta Youth Council and has continued his   leadership in tribal and civic affairs and an Elder and Clerk of   Session at the Indian Presbyterian Church; he actively supports   numerous youth programs and community initiatives, including the   Lil Dribblers basketball program, pow-wows, and holiday   celebrations, and his Christmas Eve charity drives have become a   cherished local tradition; and            WHEREAS, A trusted voice in the community, Mr. Johnson   provides updates and news to tribal members as host of the KREZ   Podcast, and he serves on the boards of the Tyler, Angelina, and   Polk County Chambers of Commerce as well as the board of Polk   County CARES; and            WHEREAS, A gifted speaker and cultural ambassador, this   esteemed chief frequently serves as Master of Ceremonies at   various celebrations and at pow-wows nationwide, and as Mikko   Istimaatokla, he is committed to preserving the rich language,   history, and culture of the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation for   future generations; and            WHEREAS, A devoted husband and father, Mr. Johnson and his   wife, Victoria, are the proud parents of their daughters, Aaliyah   and Stormi, and his deep-rooted love for family extends to his   siblings, nieces, and nephew, all of whom benefit from his   guidance and support; and            WHEREAS, Through his local government leadership and   tireless commitment to public service, Herbert Johnson Jr. has   enriched the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation and has made an   enduring impact in his community and state, and it is truly   fitting that he receive special recognition for his dedication to   his culture and for his legacy of service that continues to   inspire all who know him; now, therefore, be it            RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby commend Herbert "Chickdog" Johnson Jr. on   his outstanding contributions to the Lone Star State and extend   to him best wishes for success in all of his endeavors; and, be it   further            RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for   him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.     Nichols                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on March 12, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate