In memory of U.S. Army Specialist Joey Martens Lenz.
Summary
H.R. 838 is a Texas House resolution honoring the memory of U.S. Army Specialist Joey Martens Lenz, who died on February 1, 2022, at age 32. The resolution recounts his life, including his upbringing in Baytown and Willis, his work on Lake Conroe, his enlistment in the U.S. Army in 2017, his training and service as a generator mechanic and tactical power generator specialist, and the military awards he received.
The resolution also notes that, following his death, a congressional proposal known as the Specialist Joey Lenz Act of 2024 and later reintroduced as the Specialist Joey Lenz Act of 2025 was introduced to require more comprehensive health evaluations to better identify preexisting medical conditions in service members. The Texas House uses the resolution to express sympathy to his family and friends, direct that an official copy be prepared for his family, and adjourn in his memory.
Impact
As a memorial resolution, H.R. 838 does not change Texas statutes or create new legal obligations. Its effect is ceremonial and commemorative, formally recognizing Specialist Joey Lenz’s service and loss on behalf of the Texas House of Representatives. The only policy-related reference is to a separate federal proposal concerning military health screenings, but the resolution itself does not enact that policy or alter state law.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution is strongly respectful and sympathetic. The House unanimously adopted it by a rising vote, indicating broad bipartisan or noncontroversial support. The tone of the text is commemorative and appreciative of Specialist Lenz’s service, character, and the loss felt by his family, friends, and community.
Contention
There is no notable contention in the available record. No committee debate or recorded opposition is provided, and the resolution passed unanimously. The only potentially substantive policy reference is the mention of the Specialist Joey Lenz Act in Congress, which suggests interest in improved military medical evaluations, but that proposal is not part of the Texas resolution and was not a point of dispute in the House action on H.R. 838.
Highways: memorial; portion of US-10 in Midland; designate as the "Army Specialist Levi K. Hoover Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 16e.