HJ0052 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is appropriate for us to remember the many sacrifices and contributions to the cause of freedom made by the outstanding men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces and gave the ultimate sacrifice defending America's freedom; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda was one of seven members of the 2nd Marine Division whose lives were lost on March 18, 2013, in an explosion during training at the Hawthorne Army Depot in western Nevada; he was the most senior of those lost on that day, both in age and rank; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda was born January 6, 1987 in Breese and graduated from Highland High School in 2005; during high school, he played football and was involved in the school's annual madrigal dinner; and

WHEREAS, After high school, Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda attended St. Xavier University in Chicago for a year and then enrolled in and graduated from the L'Ecole Culinaire School in St. Louis, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Being an avid traveler, Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda felt a calling to explore the world by becoming a Marine in 2008; while at Camp Lejeune, he developed a passion for sailing, bought a two-person sailboat, and often took friends out on a bay near the base; and

WHEREAS, While enlisted in the Marine Corps, Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda traveled to several countries, including Haiti to help with recovery efforts after the 2010 earthquake, and Afghanistan; in April of 2011, he was promoted to the rank of corporal; among his numerous honors were a Navy Unit Commendation and a Humanitarian Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda is survived by his father, Kent (Colleen) Ripperda; his mother, Tina (Jeff) Sutton; his sister, Kendall (significant other, Charlie Swaim) Ripperda; his paternal grandmother, Rita Ripperda; his maternal grandfather, Ronald (Jackie) Lesicko; his special friend, Jessica Iskrzycki; his aunts and uncles, Kurt (Lynn) Ripperda, Cara (significant other, John Zerkle) Tomasek, William (Beverly) Lesicko, Patrick (Julie) Lesicko; and his many cousins; and

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to the truly great individuals who have served our country and, in doing so, have gone above and beyond the call of duty to take part in truly heroic tasks; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the portion of Illinois Route 143 within the city limits of Highland as the Cpl. Aaron J. Ripperda Memorial Highway; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name of the Cpl. Aaron J. Ripperda Memorial Highway; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.