SR0774 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0774 LRB104 21711 RMO 37322 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Our Community Salutes is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing, honoring, and supporting high school seniors who have chosen to enlist in the Armed Forces of the United States immediately following graduation; and

WHEREAS, Our Community Salutes was founded by educator and former United States Army officer Dr. Kenneth Hartman in 2009 to provide enlistees and their parents with guidance, information, resources, and meaningful community support during the transition from civilian life to military service; and

WHEREAS, Each year, thousands of high school seniors across the United States make the honorable decision to enlist in the Armed Forces, including the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force, demonstrating courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to duty; and

WHEREAS, Our Community Salutes serves enlistees by providing recognition and resources that assist in their successful transition into military service, ensuring they are celebrated and supported by their communities; and

WHEREAS, Our Community Salutes also serves parents, guardians, and families by offering information, connection, and encouragement as they support their sons and daughters during this important life transition; and

WHEREAS, Our Community Salutes Chicagoland has demonstrated exceptional leadership in Illinois by hosting Enlistee Recognition Ceremonies that bring together more than 70 high school enlistees and their families, along with educators, veterans, and community partners, to ensure that those who choose Active, Guard, and Reserve military service are recognized, supported, and connected to a strong local network from the moment they enlist; and

WHEREAS, Our Community Salutes Chicagoland strengthens military family support systems across the region by fostering connections among enlistees, families, and veteran and community organizations, ensuring support continues beyond the ceremony; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend and recognize Our Community Salutes for its outstanding service in honoring high school military enlistees and supporting their families and communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Our Community Salutes as a symbol of our esteem and respect.