In memory of retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Jesse Chargualaf.

89(R) HR 1356 - Introduced version - Bill Text

89R33482 EME-D

By: Geren

H.R. No. 1356

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to

a close with the passing of retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Jesus

San Nicolas Chargualaf on July 15, 2024, at the age of 81; and

WHEREAS, The son of Rosa Crisostomo San Nicolas Chargualaf

and Jose San Nicolas Chargualaf, Jesse Chargualaf was born on the

island of Guam on August 2, 1942, while his mother was hiding in a

cave to evade Japanese forces; he grew up in a family that included

13 siblings, and he embarked on his three-decade military career in

1962 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; his determination to overcome all

barriers and his remarkable physical fitness set him apart and

earned him a place in the nation's first Green Beret unit, the 10th

Special Forces Group (Airborne); a linguist, ultra-long-distance

runner, and master parachutist with a black belt in karate, he took

part in intelligence operations in nearly 20 countries around the

globe; during the Vietnam War, he served as a primary contact

between villagers and U.S. forces, and he retained his kindness,

empathy, and playfulness no matter how dire the circumstances

around him; while stationed in Massachusetts, he volunteered at a

youth center and even mentored youngsters who had inadvisedly

attempted to mug him; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Chargualaf shared a fulfilling relationship

with his wife, Gay, and he was the proud father of a daughter,

Nicole, and a son, Jay; following his retirement from the military,

he was employed for 31 years as property manager for Cat Mountain

Villas in Austin; he had a tremendous work ethic and rarely took a

day off; in his free time, he grew vegetables and made friends at

the Deep Eddy Community Garden; he enjoyed swimming, fishing,

studying history, and playing chess and cards; delighting in his

role as "Olipop" to two grandchildren, Elizabeth and James, he

engaged them in games of tag and ensured they never lacked for

treats; and

WHEREAS, From his earliest years, Jesse Chargualaf

brightened the world for those around him, and although he is deeply

missed, his courage, compassion, and generosity remain a lasting

source of inspiration; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas

Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of retired U.S. Army

Sergeant Major Jesus San Nicolas Chargualaf and extend sincere

sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Gay Chargualaf;

to his children, Nicole McCarty and her husband, Tom, and Jay

Chargualaf; to his grandchildren, Elizabeth and James McCarty; and

to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of

Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jesse

Chargualaf.