SR-195, As Adopted by Senate, December 1, 2010

            Senator Bishop offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 195.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Valde Garcia.

            Whereas, It is with gratitude for his service to the 22nd Senate District and to the entire state that we commend and thank Valde Garcia. He leaves the Michigan Senate with the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his commitment and dedication to public service; and

            Whereas, Valde Garcia grew up in Clinton County, the son of migrant workers who instilled in him a love of country and the desire to act in its service. After earning a bachelor's degree in political science and history from Cedarville College in Ohio, Valde Garcia was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He actively served his country for more than nine years, including during Operation Desert Storm, and continues to serve in the Reserve Forces. The Army has recognized his honorable service, promoting him to the rank of colonel and decorating him with the Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, and two joint service medals; and

            Whereas, With the same sense of duty, Valde Garcia has taken on many tasks through the Michigan Legislature. He served as a legislative aide and chief of staff for several members of the Michigan Senate before his election to the House of Representatives in 1999. A few short years later, in a 2001 special election, he made history by becoming the first Hispanic elected to the Michigan Senate. Since then, Senator Garcia has applied his no-nonsense, get-things-done approach to strengthening and protecting Michigan and its people. His accomplishments include sponsoring legislation that supported Michigan's military families, made Michigan's schools stronger, helped law enforcement personnel do their jobs, and spurred economic development. His distinguished legislative career also includes service on the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Homeland Security and Emerging Technologies Committee, and the Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs Committee; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we commend and thank Senator Valde Garcia for his dedication and commitment to serving our country and our state; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Senator Garcia as a testament of our respect and admiration.