The Meaning of Memorial Day

When you ask someone about what Memorial Day means to them you are likely to hear some common themes about sacrifice, courage, bravery, and honor. What we don’t always consider is the deeply personal stories that live behind these sentiments.

This year, I have enjoyed the privilege of hearing some of the personal stories that have shaped Memorial Day for several members of the Texas Department of Agriculture family.

I invite you to take a look at the videos below to hear these stories and my own thoughts.

Please, in your own way, take some time today to honor those men and women who paid the ultimate price for all of our freedom. We will not forget their service. God bless their families, God bless Texas and God bless the United States of America. 

Jessica Escobar

Assistant General Counsel and Public Information Officer,

Texas Department of Agriculture

Michael West

Coordinator for Rural Economic Development Financial Programs,

Texas Department of Agriculture

Earl Lundquist

E-Communications Specialist,

Texas Department of Agriculture

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples

Dalhart Welcomes Former FFA State President as New Mayor

A hearty congratulation goes out to new Dalhart Mayor Kurtis Thomas. It was standing room only Tuesday night at the Dalhart City Council as Kurtis took the reins from Mayor Kevin Caddell, who after serving as mayor for the past eight years decided not to run for re-election. What’s more impressive is Kurtis won 60 percent of the vote in a heated three-way race. That’s an accomplishment anyone who has ever even considered running for public office can appreciate.

Kurtis, originally from Pasadena, Texas, served as Texas FFA State President from 2001-

2002. During that time he traveled more than 60,000 miles across Texas speaking to high school students, large companies and organizations about agricultural diversity.

Following his year of service to FFA, Kurtis went on to attend Texas A&M University where he was selected for the Agricultural and Natural Resource Policy Internship Program in Washington, D.C. He graduated A&M Summa Cum Laude and has gone on to serve as on the Dalhart city council, the Bi-County Livestock Show Board of Directors and continues to volunteer with local 4-H and FFA programs.     

Public service is a privilege. Though still a young man, Kurtis has dedicated himself to that privilege and I am confident he will be guided by the values and principles he learned from FFA as he serves the people of Dalhart.

It’s inspiring to see how FFA is really shaping the young leaders in our state. Kurtis, just like Casey Hogan, who I recently congratulated for joining the Stephenville City Council, are not shying away from the call to public service but embracing the challenges and joys of working with local governments to create policies that will keep bringing jobs and prosperity to our great state. It can be hard work, but well worth the effort.

Best wishes to you, Kurtis as you make your mark in Dalhart. I am sure this is just the beginning of much more success.

FFA Growing New Leaders

There really is something special about that blue and gold jacket. I often say the future of Texas is bright with FFA members leading the way and this week I am especially proud to see a fellow FFA member welcomed into the world of public service.

Hats off to Casey Hogan, 30, for winning election to the Stephenville City Council, Place 1. On Tuesday, Casey was sworn in to serve a two-year term. This was his first-ever official run for political office, but through his experience as Student Body President at Tarleton State University and Texas FFA Vice President 2001-2002, Casey is no stranger to leadership.

I had a very similar start as a public servant, first as Texas FFA Vice President and then as a member of the Palestine City Council. The common thread here is not so much the titles and the elected offices, but the foundation of leadership, character and citizenship we both learned during our time in FFA.

Congratulations also go to people like past state FFA President Marcus Hill of Fort Worth, whose mentorship and encouragement was an inspiration to Casey during his high school days. “Pass it on” is something most former FFA members do very well.

To this day, I remember the 12 words of the FFA motto, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” These words have helped me serve the great people of Texas and I hope Casey Hogan will use them as he begins his work for the people of Stephenville. Congratulations again Casey, I am proud of your work and excited as you start this new journey.

It is not bragging if it’s true, and it’s true that FFA members represent the cream of the crop in Texas.

Honoring Texas Mothers

You know when Mother’s Day is near because the ads start filling up our mailboxes and inboxes with specials on flowers, candy, perfumes, cards and other items to show our moms how much we care. I can’t help but think the greatest gift we can give to our mother’s is living a life that respects the traditions, compassion, morals and convictions she worked so hard to give to us.

Like the great Dr. James Dobson says, “Children are not casual guests in our home. They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them and instilling a foundation of values on which their future lives will be built.”

I promise you my mother never treated me casually. She worked every day to instill in me the values of hard work, dedication and a can-do attitude. Never treated as a guest, I knew early-on that I had a responsibility to serve God, my family and my community. Now, with the privilege to serve the people of Texas, I can still hear my mother’s voice reminding me to be

guided by those principles that she sewed in me all those years ago.  

I received lots of love, but with that love came rules, discipline, chores and the expectation that I would strive to help my family, my friends and my community. This weekend, honor your mother with more than just a gift; show your devotion by the way you live life, and apply the wisdom she has taught you over her lifetime. I pass along a very happy Mother’s Day to all of those women who go by the first name, Mom.

El Paso is Committed to Water Conservation

In an ongoing effort toward solving Texas ‘critical water crisis, today I joined with El Paso Mayor John Cook and challenged  El Pasoans to step up their daily water conservation efforts by utilizing the Texas Water Smart program. This afternoon, Mayor Cook declared his support for continued conservation and announced that El Paso will join the Texas Water Smart coalition.

It’s important to remember, we cannot restrict and ration our way to growth. Citizen-led conservation efforts are our best alternative to mandated restrictions that can hurt our economy. Our recent historical drought and booming population point to an unavoidable conclusion; it’s time all Texans take a serious look at individual water use habits and find common-sense ways to conserve. With Texas Water Smart, a few drops saved, when multiplied by 26 million citizens, adds up to big savings.

Texas Water Smart, launched last spring, is a public-private partnership of nearly 300 businesses, associations, research organizations and state and local officials. Through a highly successful consumer education program, Texas Water Smart has raised awareness about water conservation by encouraging homeowners and businesses to adopt daily habits to curb wasteful water usage.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report shows El Paso continues to deal with severe drought conditions. As an arid city El Paso has experience in dealing with these conditions and the community has embraced conservation as a way of life for more than 20 years. By adopting conservation programs such as “Less is the New More,” the city of El Paso saved more than a half-billion gallons of water in 2012 than in 2011. Texas Water Smart, in partnership with El Paso’s existing water plan that utilizes conservation and the development of new water resources, will help serve residents growing water needs for years to come.

For helpful tips on water conservation, you can click on www.TexasWaterSmart.com. 

Every Day is Earth Day for Hardworking Farmers and Ranchers

As the world celebrates Earth Day today, I thank the men and women who tirelessly cultivate 

Photo Pat Sullivan, Lubbockonline.com

the land that provides the food and fiber for all the earth’s inhabitants. Farmers and ranchers, I honor you today and every day for the immeasurable contributions you have made and continue to make.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands." 

That sentiment rings true today. Farmers and ranchers are the true cultivators of the earth and the original environmentalists. Our ancestors worked hard for us and we now work hard for the generations of today and tomorrow. We know that in order to achieve the same degree of lasting productivity and sustainability, this land we call home must always be protected.

Water conservation is one of the many ways to help preserve, and the Texas Water Smart coalition has great tips to help every Texan curb wasteful water usage.  Other ways to preserve include improving wildlife habitats and erosion protection so that there are beautiful lands left for the rest of us to enjoy along with our abundant, safe and affordable food supply.

On Earth Day and every day, be sure to thank our farmers and ranchers who preserve the environment, protect our food and improve our world. To learn more about what farmers and ranchers do for the environment, please visit: Agriculture is Your Culture.

Remembering West, Boston on San Jacinto Day

After a long week that tested us all, I am thankful to celebrate San Jacinto Day and the power of the American spirit.

This past week we as a nation came together to offer support and take action in the face of danger and tragedy. I think about the first-responders in West and Boston and how they put their own lives in peril to save the lives of others. In the aftermath, one thing is clear: Texans and Americans pull together and overcome.

On the eve of the battle of San Jacinto, as the Texas army chased Santa Anna’s troops, they still held onto the memories of their fallen patriots at The Alamo and Goliad. This San Jacinto Day, my hope is that we, as a nation and as a state, move forward, not in vengeance but resilience. Together we can help our fellow Americans and Texans heal from tragedy.

“Measured by its results, San Jacinto was one of the decisive battles of the world,” is inscribed on the base of the San Jacinto Monument that marks the place where Texas secured its freedom. The events of this past week will also be measured by results, by how we deal with adversity. Relying on fierce Texas grit and the unyielding American spirit, I am confident that we will overcome and continue to lead the way.

Prayers for West

Returning from Dallas last night on I-35, southbound traffic came to a complete standstill several miles north of Waco, something not too unusual and always dreaded. While stopped, we first noticed one, then two, then lost count of the numerous emergency vehicles hurrying along the service road and the shoulders of the road -- all headed south. At first, it appeared there must be a horrific traffic accident up ahead. Then, snippets coming across FOX News described the fertilizer plant explosion near Waco, which we now know occurred in the historic and often visited town of West, Texas.

After an hour and a half parked on I-35, the traffic began to move. As we approached West, you could immediately sense the enormity of what had occurred. The smell from the explosion was distinct in the air as we approached. Then, passing over the main crossroad

in town, emergency vehicles were lined up east and west as far as you could see. Massive smoke clouds lingered to the east of I-35. Search and rescue aircraft where overhead beaming down massive lights to aid those below. Even driving past West, for miles, you could see countless emergency vehicles headed north toward the scene.

The headline of the Wall Street Journal this morning reports the blast killed five to fifteen. Area hospitals are flooded with the injured seeking aid and the damage, not yet fully assessed, is extreme.

It appears, several of those killed were emergency personnel, they bravely rushed into danger to save lives, but these heroes were struck down when the initial fire erupted into a terrible explosion. Remember this small community in your prayers today, and the emergency responders who raced to their rescue.   

Water Managers Say Mexico Water Release A "Joke"

From KRGV-TV

SOUTH TEXAS - Mexico has agreed to release a small amount of water into the Rio Grande River for U.S. consumption. U.S. officials have been calling on our neighbor to the south due to the worsening drought situation.

Officials from the U.S. side of the border agree that the water from Mexico will do little to ease worries here in the Valley.

Water coming from a reservoir on Mexico's San Rodrigo River entered the Rio Grande ear El Moral. The exact amount of water released is unknown.

Irrigation District Number 9's manager Jo Jo White calls the gesture a joke and an insult; White adds it is not even a drop in the bucket.

Delta Irrigation District Manager Troy Allen worries farmers and cities will get the wrong idea. Allen says, "My fear is with this article is that the farmers and the municipalities are going to think that our problems are solved and they're not. This really didn't solve anything. To me it just made things worse."

A spokesperson with the International Boundary and Water Commission calls the release from Mexico "small."

In a letter sent to valley congressmen yesterday the I.B.W.C. says the have made several proposals to Mexico for immediate water deliveries to the U.S.

They say the response from Mexico has been slower than expected.

Save Water, Save Money, Save Texas

In an ongoing effort toward to solve Texas ‘critical water crisis, I along with State Sen. Troy Fraser announced the passage of Senate Resolution 593 honoring the statewide impact and success of the Texas Water Smart coalition. 

All Texans should take a serious look at their individual water habits. We all can make a difference in our water supply by adopting common-sense ways to conserve. I want to thank the nearly 130 legislators and 150 other Texas Water Smart coalition members who have committed themselves to educating Texans about the critical need for water. 

Texas Water Smart, launched April 2, 2012, is a public-private partnership of nearly 300 businesses, associations, research organizations and state and local officials. Through a highly successful consumer education program, Texas Water Smart has raised awareness about water conservation by encouraging homeowners and businesses to adopt daily habits to curb wasteful water usage.  

Sen. Fraser filed the Senate resolution in recognition of Texas Water Smart’s efforts to raise consumer awareness about water conservation and the coalition’s commitment toward relieving the state’s water crisis. State Rep. Allan Ritter filed a companion resolution in the State House of Representatives. 

On Friday, State Sen. Craig Estes and Wichita Falls Mayor Glenn Barham announced the city of Wichita Falls has joined the Texas Water Smart coalition and are urging residents to conserve water. If current water levels do not improve, Wichita Falls could be forced to enact Stage 4 water restrictions as early as this summer.

The Lone Star State continues to attempt recovery from the historic 2011 drought, which depleted drinking water supplies, hurt businesses and cost the state $8.3 billion in agricultural losses. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 88 percent of the state is experiencing some degree of drought conditions.

Full text of the Texas Senate Resolution 593 honoring the Texas Water Smart coalition will be available at www.capitol.state.tx.us. 

For more information about Texas Water Smart and daily water saving tips for homeowners and businesses, visit www.TexasWaterSmart.com.