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the same moment, the aircraft pilot was mortally wounded, andhis helicopter crashed. Although in extremely critical conditiondue to his multiple wounds, Sergeant Benavidez secured theclassified documents and made his way back to the wreckage,where he aided the wounded out of the overturned aircraft, andgathered the stunned survivors into a defensive perimeter. Underincreasing enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire, he movedaround the perimeter distributing water and ammunition to hisweary men, reinstilling in them a will to live and fight. Facing abuildup of enemy opposition with a beleaguered team, SergeantBenavidez mustered his strength, began calling in tactical airstrikes and directed the fire from supporting gunships to suppressthe enemy’s fire and so permit another extraction attempt.He was wounded again in his thigh by small arms fire whileadministering first aid to a wounded team member just beforeanother extraction helicopter was able to land. His indomitablespirit kept him going as he began to ferry his comrades to thecraft. On his second trip with the wounded, he was clubbedwith additional wounds to his head and arms before killing hisadversary. He then continued under devastating fire to carrythe wounded to the helicopter. Upon reaching the aircraft, hespotted and killed two enemy soldiers who were rushing thecraft from an angle that prevented the aircraft door gunner fromfiring upon them. With little strength remaining, he made onelast trip to the perimeter to ensure that all classified materialhad been collected or destroyed, and to bring in the remainingwounded. Only then, in extremely serious condition fromnumerous wounds and loss of blood, did he allow himself to bepulled into the extraction aircraft. Sergeant Benavidez’ gallantchoice to join voluntarily his comrades who were in criticalstraits, to expose himself constantly to withering enemy fire, andhis refusal to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds, savedthe lives of at least eight men. His fearless personal leadership,tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions inthe face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highesttraditions of the military service, and reflect the utmost crediton him and the United States Army.Quitters Never Win and Winners Never QuitWe are fortunate to live in a time where we have so much technology.We are fortunate that we can actually hear from SergeantRoy Benavidez himself on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oUtJxE4sjs&feature=related. I highly recommendthat each of you go to this link and listen to this hero. Withoutquestion, Roy was a great American and an inspiring patriot,he died in 1998.We defense lawyers ought to have the same “love of country”as Roy did. We need to remember that our work gives meaningto the sacrifices he and our other military men and women havemade for us—the American People. Indeed, we also need toremember that no one is shooting at us when we do our work,meaning that we have to have courage to do the right thing!TCDLA is an Association of constitutional heroes. We are anAssociation of freedom fighters. We are an Association that caresabout Unalienable Rights. Although we do not face the samedangers that Roy and are military do, we do stand as a bastionagainst those who would attack our God given rights. I am veryproud to stand with each of you in our work as constitutionaldefenders. Thank you for doing what you do!Your President,J. Gary TrichterRusty Duncan ScholarshipsThe Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute is providing scholarships for seminar tuition,available to deserving attorneys actively engaged in the defense of criminal cases who can demonstratefinancial need. Scholarship requests must be in writing and state that the applicant is a TCDLAmember and has not received a scholarship within the last two years (Trial College does not count as ascholarship).Scholarship applicants must send in the following to be considered:1. Registration form;2. Letter of request;3. Letter of recommendation from a Texas or federal judge;4. Letter of recommendation from a TCDLA member.Scholarships recipients will receive materials on CD. Course books may be purchased for a $50 fee.Scholarships are awarded to qualified applicants in order received.