HR0957 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0957 LRB094 19671 DRJ 56125 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Pentagon has ordered the Illinois National Guard to prepare plans to eliminate as many as 1,000 positions, which is 10% of the State's Guard positions; and

WHEREAS, The following National Guard units could be affected by this reduction: Company F of the 106th Aviation Battalion, based at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport, a Chinook helicopter company which recently served in Iraq and which has about 75 Guard members; the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Facility, also a part of the 106th Aviation Battalion, which has about 300 Guard members; and Company B and Detachment 2, based in Bartonville, which provide security for the 35th Infantry Division based in Kansas and have about 160 Guard members; and

WHEREAS, These National Guard units serve not only the nation in times of war or national emergencies; they also provide security and safety to residents of the Greater Peoria area; and without the presence of these units, the ability to respond to a terrorist threat, national disaster, or community emergency will be significantly diminished; and

WHEREAS, These National Guard units played a major role in rescue and support operations during the Great Flood of 1993, a service for which the Greater Peoria community will always be grateful; the units also have assisted the community in many other ways; and

WHEREAS, If these National Guard units are eliminated, the economic stability of the Greater Peoria area, as well as its safety and security, will be adversely affected; these units are comprised of more than 500 soldiers; and

WHEREAS, While some eliminated National Guard positions might be replaced, it is uncertain how many such positions might be replaced and when that might happen; in the meantime, the adverse impact on the area's safety, security, and economic stability would continue; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we strongly urge the Pentagon to reconsider its proposed cuts in Illinois National Guard positions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this Resolution be forwarded to President George W. Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, and each member of the Illinois Congressional delegation.