ENROLLED SENATE
CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION NO. 19	By:	Brecheen and Ellis of the Senate

			and

		Roan, Armes, Banz, Bennett, Billy, Blackwell, Brown, Brumbaugh, Cannaday, Casey, Christian, Cockroft, Condit, Coody, Cooksey, Cox, Dank, Denney, Derby, DeWitt, Dorman, Enns, Farley, Faught, Fourkiller, Glenn, Grau, Hall, Hamilton, Hardin, Hickman, Hilliard, Holland, Hoskin, Inman, Jackson, Johnson, Jordan, Joyner, Kern, Key, Kirby, Kouplen, Liebmann, Lockhart, Martin (Scott), Martin (Steve), McAffrey, McCullough, McDaniel (Jeannie), McDaniel (Randy), McNiel, McPeak, Moore, Morgan, Morrissette, Mulready, Murphey, Nelson, Newell, Nollan, Ortega, Osborn, Ownbey, Peters, Peterson, Pittman, Proctor, Pruett, Quinn, Renegar, Reynolds, Richardson, Ritze, Roberts (Dustin), Roberts (Sean), Rousselot, Russ, Sanders, Schwartz, Scott, Sears, Shannon, Shelton, Sherrer, Shoemake, Shumate, Steele, Stiles, Sullivan, Terrill, Thomsen, Tibbs, Trebilcock, Vaughan, Virgin, Walker, Watson, Wesselhoft, Williams and Wright of the House

A Concurrent Resolution expressing condolences with respect to those killed or injured in the Tushka tornado; and expressing gratitude to all who assisted victims in the aftermath.

WHEREAS, April 2011 will go down in weather history as one of the most violent and tragic ever, with more than 450 tornadoes and more than 6,500 severe weather reports nationwide; and

WHEREAS, the town of Tushka, Oklahoma, was devastated by one of these storms on April 14, during which an EF3 tornado caused extensive suffering and property damage, resulting in the deaths of sisters Sammie Lee Dement and Ava Walkup and injuries to many other residents, leveling 149 homes and damaging dozens of other structures, including a school building built in 1918; and

WHEREAS, even before the storm clouds dissipated, the Oklahoma spirit kicked in to help the families and businesses of Tushka.  Volunteers immediately provided food, water, clothing and medical care to those affected.  Friends and neighbors took in those families left homeless and helped remove debris, board up structures, and reopen homes and businesses.  The Kiamichi Technology Center - Atoka Campus and the Tushka Baptist Church opened their doors to welcome the students and faculty of the Tushka Public School System ensuring the completion of the 2010-2011 academic year.  Countless Oklahomans have contributed their time and treasure and will continue to help Tushkans in the days and months of restoration that are still ahead; and

WHEREAS, while the Oklahoma spring weather will always wreak its havoc, it is a comfort to our citizens to know that Oklahoma families, friends, neighbors, local churches, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and governmental and tribal agencies will be ever present in times of trouble.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 53RD OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate hereby expresses its condolences to the families and friends of Sammie Lee Dement and Ava Walkup and those injured in the Tushka tornado of 2011, and expresses its gratitude to all who assisted victims in the aftermath of the tornado and all who will continue to give assistance in the days to follow.

Adopted by the Senate the 4th day of May, 2011.

	
	Presiding Officer of the Senate

Adopted by the House of Representatives the 9th day of May, 2011.

	
	Presiding Officer of the House
	of Representatives