SR0362 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0362 LRB097 13729 GRL 58277 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of United States Marine Corps Captain Jeffrey C. Bland of Champaign, who passed away on September 19, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Jeffrey Bland was born on January 15, 1974; he graduated from Galesburg High School in 1992; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Jeffrey Bland attended the University of Illinois before joining the United States Marine Corps on June 10, 1997; he was assigned to Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California at the time of his passing; he also served two tours in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Jeffrey Bland was the recipient of numerous awards for his meritorious service, including two Navy Marine Corps Commendation medals, the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, the Air Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and the Korean Defense Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Jeffrey Bland is survived by his wife, Heather, and his daughter, Aliana; and

WHEREAS, Capt. Jeffrey Bland'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-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of United States Marine Corps Captain Jeffrey C. Bland; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Capt. Jeffrey Bland as an expression of our sympathy.