SR0364 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Illinois National Guard First Lieutenant Derwin Williams of Glenwood, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on July 7, 2009; and

WHEREAS, First Lt. Derwin Williams grew up on the South Side of Chicago; he attended Morgan Park High School, where he ran track and played football; and

WHEREAS, First Lt. Derwin Williams served his country his pride and distinction as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade; he had previously served in Iraq for one year in 2004; and

WHEREAS, First Lt. Derwin Williams was employed with the Cook County Sheriff's Office as a drill instructor with the county boot camp, a program to rehabilitate young people who have just been released from prison; and

WHEREAS, First Lt. Derwin Williams is survived by his wife, Felicia Williams; his two stepdaughters; and his three children; and

WHEREAS, First Lt. Derwin Williams' patriotism and courage will be remembered fondly by his loving family, his fellow soldiers, and the citizens of our grateful nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Illinois National Guard First Lieutenant Derwin Williams; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of First Lt. Derwin Williams and his willingness to serve our country, which led to him making the ultimate sacrifice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of First Lt. Derwin Williams as an expression of our sympathy.