Austin – State Rep. Dianne White Delisi provided the following statement upon the passage of HB 2398:


"This is an important bill for my district.  With the 1st Cav in Iraq, and 4th ID preparing to go back, Fort Hood soldiers are truly doing the heavy lifting in the War on Terror.  We honor the soldiers who've made the ultimate sacrifice, and HB 2398 honors their families by bringing about greater awareness to their loss.


"As the author of HB 2398, I was pleased that the House Transportation Committee unanimously approved this bill after the hearing.  Being voted out committee on the day of the hearing is unprecedented and a testament to the compelling testimony presented.


"Two Gold Star Spouses, Kerri Hartwick and Linnie Blankenbecler, who both lost their husbands in Iraq, provided moving testimony in their support for this legislation.  Craig Pearson (Col., Ret., USA), of First Baptist Church of Belton, spoke in support, and also discussed the need for the long-term support for these families not only now, but also in the future.  Debbie Busch, Executive Director of the Gold Star Family Support Center on Fort Hood, also spoke in support of HB 2398.


"It is because of their commitment and sacrifice that I decided to pursue this bill.  These individuals are a great asset to our community, and establishing the Gold Star Family license plate is one small step we can take to honor their sacrifice."

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