HR1593 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1593 LRB095 22999 KXB 53474 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Sergeant John M. Penich of Beach Park, who was killed while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, John Penich was born January 6, 1983 and was killed on October 16, 2008; he graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 2001, graduating with honors; he enjoyed the outdoors, mountain biking, riding four-wheelers, hunting, paintball, and riding Harleys; and

WHEREAS, He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas, known as "Viper Country"; and

WHEREAS, He was decorated as Soldier of the Year in 2007; he received a Bronze Star with Valor and Single Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and was recommended for the Silver Star; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elaine Weidner, Michael Penich Sr., and Jennie Penich; his great-grandparents, Katherine Garross and Ned Hall; and his great-great-grandmother, Eva Gallup; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant John Penich is survived by his mother and step-father, Kathy and Mike Garross; his father and step-mother, James and Diane Penich; his siblings, Jeff (Nicole), Jim (Michelle), and Crystal (Pete) Barrett; his grandparents, Donald and Pat Weidner and Roger and Barbara Garross; his great-grandmother, Mary Hall; his nieces and nephews, Autumn Long, Bryce and Eva Barrett, and Hailey and Hunter Penich; the love of his life, Sarah Kelley; his dear friend, Mikey Kitch; and other family members, friends, and comrades; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Sergeant John M. Penich; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Sergeant Penich and his willingness to serve his 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 Sergeant John M. Penich, as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.