SR0947 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0947 LRB101 17728 MST 67156 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Specialist Henry Jarrett "Mitch" Mayfield Jr. bravely served our country in the United States Army, selflessly dedicating his time on earth to protecting our lives and keeping our families safe; and

WHEREAS, SPC Mayfield, age 23, of Hazel Crest was killed in action on January 5, 2020 from injuries sustained during a terror attack on the Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya; and

WHEREAS, After attending Northern Illinois University, SPC Mayfield enlisted in the Army; he joined the U.S. Army on August 21, 2017 and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group, Fort Rucker, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, SPC Mayfield was described by the commander of Air Traffic Services Command as an individual who inspired those with whom he served to excel both on and off duty; he received numerous awards and commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal (posthumous), the Purple Heart, (posthumous), the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge (posthumous), the Combat and Special Skill Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge, the Weapon Bar: Rifle, the Sharpshooter Bar, and the Overseas Service Bar; and

WHEREAS, SPC Mayfield graduated from Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, where he enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball, and spending time with family; and

WHEREAS, SPC Mayfield is survived by his father and stepmother, Henry J. Mayfield Sr. and Carmoneta Horton-Mayfield, and eight siblings; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Specialist Henry Jarrett "Mitch" 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.