HR0722 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0722 LRB101 17665 MST 67092 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of U.S. Army Specialist Henry Mayfield Jr., who passed away on January 12, 2020 at the age of 23; and

WHEREAS, Spc. Mayfield joined the Armed Forces in June of 2018 after studying at Northern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Spc. Mayfield was killed in action during a predawn raid at the Manda Bay Airfield near Nairobi that is shared by the United States and Kenyan forces; and

WHEREAS, America has been blessed with an abundance of men and women who proudly and bravely serve our country, sacrificing a great deal for the cherished causes of freedom and democracy; and

WHEREAS, We salute their bravery and dedication to the defense of our democracy and independence and recognize that it is an extraordinary person who willingly steps into harm's way to protect others and to defend our freedom; Spc. Mayfield was such a person; and

WHEREAS, Spc. Mayfield was a vibrant young man; his parents describe him as positive and appreciative of his blessings; he often said, "We are here for a great time, not a long time."; and

WHEREAS, Spc. Mayfield learned the value of service, dedication, and discipline and knew the worth of life and liberty; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of U.S. Army Specialist Henry Mayfield Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Spc. Mayfield as an expression of our deepest sympathy.