HJ0053 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 serve in combat and give the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jordan B. Emrick of Hoyleton was killed in action defending America's freedom in Afghanistan on November 5, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jordan Emrick was born on December 19, 1983 in Centralia to Terry and Doris (nee Seeger) Emrick; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jordan Emrick graduated from Nashville High School in 2002; he attended Trinity Lutheran Church and was an avid skydiver and enjoyed sailing; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jordan Emrick served in the United States Marine Corps with the 1st Explosives Ordinance Disposal Company, a unit based in Camp Pendleton, California, that is currently serving in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jordan Emrick was a highly decorated Marine who enlisted shortly after the September 11th attacks; he had previously served one deployment in the Persian Gulf and 2 deployments in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jordan Emrick is survived by his parents, Terry and Doris; his brother; Brandon (Kimberly) Emrick; his sisters, Christi (Ryan) Payne and Brittany (Anthony) Aussieker; his grandmother, Edith Seeger; and his many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jordan Emrick will be remembered by all who knew and loved him for his selfless dedication to his Marine brethren by volunteering for ordinance disposal duty; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jordan Emrick's patriotism and courage will be remembered fondly by his loving family, his fellow soldiers, and the citizens of our grateful nation; and

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that we pay 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 Illinois Route 177 between Hoyleton and New Minden the "SSgt. Jordan Emrick 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 "SSgt. Jordan Emrick Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Staff Sergeant Jordan Emrick and to the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.