093_HR0255
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1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of
3 the State of Illinois were saddened to learn of the combat
4 death of Private Jonathan Gifford, United States Marine
5 Corps, of Decatur on March 23, 2003 in Iraq; and
6 WHEREAS, Private Gifford was a member of the 1st
7 Battalion, 2nd Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade of
8 the United States Marine Corps; he was killed in action near
9 An Nasiriyah in an ambush; and
10 WHEREAS, Private Gifford was born on October 30, 1972; he
11 graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1991; he joined
12 the United States Marine Corps on October 30, 2001; and
13 WHEREAS, Private Gifford had been employed as a laborer
14 at Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur; he enjoyed hunting and
15 holds the Pope and Young bowhunting record for the taking of
16 a 10-point buck; and
17 WHEREAS, Private Gifford always fought for the underdog,
18 so it was fitting that he was fighting for the freedom of the
19 Iraqi people; and
20 WHEREAS, The passing of Private Jonathan Gifford has been
21 deeply felt by many, especially his daughter, Lexie Gifford;
22 his mother, Vicky J. Langley; his father, John L. Gifford;
23 his stepmother, Carol Gifford; his stepfather, Tim Langley;
24 his half-sisters, Tiffany Blastenbri and Valerie Gifford; his
25 maternal grandparents, William Godfrey, Jr. and Reva Godfrey;
26 his paternal grandparents, Ronald and Peggy Gifford; his
27 former wife, Vickey; and his several aunts, uncles, nieces,
28 and nephews; therefore, be it
29 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
30 NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
31 together with his family, friends, and this great nation, we
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1 mourn the passing of Private Jonathan Gifford, United States
2 Marine Corps, and extend to his family and friends our
3 deepest condolences; and be it further
4 RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Private Gifford and
5 his willingness to serve our country, which led to him making
6 the ultimate sacrifice; and be it further
7 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
8 presented to the family of Private Jonathan Gifford, United
9 States Marine Corps, as an expression of our sincere sympathy
10 during their time of loss.