SR0574 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0574 LRB096 17443 GRL 33076 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of United States Air Force Senior Airman Bradley Smith, who passed away on January 3, 2010, in Kandahar, Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, SrA Bradley Smith was born on September 11, 1985, in Little Rock, Arkansas; his parents are Gary and Paula, nee Forrest, Smith; he married Tiffany Finley on February 19, 2008, in Monterey, California; and

WHEREAS, SrA Bradley Smith graduated from Triad High School in 2004; during high school, he was a member of the football team for all 4 years and was a member of the school's journalism program; and

WHEREAS, On December 19, 2006, SrA Bradley Smith joined the United States Air Force; after basic training, where he was an honor graduate, he was assigned to the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron as a joint terminal attack controller in Fort Riley, Kansas and was highly trained in air assault, pathfinder, and airborne qualifications; he was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, SrA Bradley Smith was previously a member at Bethel Baptist Church, where he was active with the church's youth ministry; and

WHEREAS, SrA Bradley Smith was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, retired Master Sergeant Jesie Forrest, and his paternal grandfather, Elmer Smith; and

WHEREAS, SrA Bradley Smith is survived by his wife, Tiffany; his parents, Gary and Paula; his daughter, Chloe Lynn Smith; his brother and fiancee, Staff Sergeant Gary Ryan Smith and Shawna Dorman; his paternal grandparents, retired Sergeant Major Don and Barbara McBeth and Rebecca Smith; his maternal grandmother, Fannie Mae Forrest; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Stanley and Valerie Tucker; his sisters-in-law, Hannah and Jennifer Tucker; and his many other extended family members and dear friends; and

WHEREAS, SrA Bradley Smith's 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 Senior Airman Bradley Smith; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Senior Airman Bradley Smith as an expression of our sympathy.