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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
3Representatives wish to congratulate Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on 
4the occasion of his 100th birthday and thank him for his 
5military service during World War II; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Joe Belman has spent his life serving his 
7community and his country with honor; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Joe Belman was born in Pontiac on February 20, 
91924; he was adopted by Louise and Irene Belman; during his 
10upbringing, the lessons of diligence, responsibility, and 
11community he was taught became the cornerstones of his 
12character; and
 
13    WHEREAS, In his youth, Joe Belman worked on the 
14Mississippi River, where he found unexpected joy and 
15tranquility; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Joe Belman enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force 
17during World War II, serving as a B-17 Flying Fortress ball 
18turret gunner and achieving the rank of staff sergeant; while 
19exposed to the dangers of anti-aircraft fire and enemy 
20fighters during his 35 missions over enemy territory in the 
21European theater, his valorous actions contributed to pushing 
 
 
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1the enemy out of Europe and into Germany; and
 
2    WHEREAS, For his military service, Joe Belman was awarded 
3the Air Medal with five Oak Clusters and the European Ribbon 
4with three Battle Stars; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Joe Belman returned to the United States in April 
61945, taking a unique journey home by hitchhiking across the 
7country; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Joe Belman married Irene in 1947, and together 
9they shared 59 wonderful years; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Joe Belman's commitment to service and advocacy 
11persisted beyond his wartime service; he showcased his 
12enduring dedication to community welfare through his 
13involvement in the Citizens' Utility Board and the Will County 
14Jury Commission and his leadership roles in the American G.I. 
15Forum and the Illinois Hispanic Democratic Council; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Joe Belman also served as a union organizer in 
17Lockport, dedicating himself to promoting safer working 
18environments and higher wages, and he helped form Service 
19Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 650, serving as its 
20first president; and
 
 
 
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1    WHEREAS, Joe Belman's impact has extended beyond formal 
2roles, with involvement in youth development, coaching various 
3sports, and community leadership, which earned him numerous 
4accolades; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Joe Belman's journey, from the tranquil waters of 
6the Mississippi River to the tumultuous skies over Germany, is 
7a testament to resilience, dedication to community, and the 
8enduring spirit of the Greatest Generation; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Joe Belman's life exemplifies the principles of 
10democracy, equality, and empowerment, inspiring and guiding 
11generations to come and leaving an indelible mark on the 
12landscape of labor and community service beyond the boundaries 
13of Illinois; therefore, be it
 
14    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
15HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
16we congratulate Joseph L. "Joe" Belman on his 100th birthday, 
17thank him for his military service to the United States of 
18America, and recognize his century-long journey and his 
19enduring impact on workers' rights advocacy and mentorship in 
20youth development; and be it further
 
21    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
22presented to Joe Belman as an expression of our esteem and 
 
 
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1respect.