SR0654 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0654 LRB093 23109 KEF 53076 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is with deep regret that the members of the Illinois Senate learned of the death in Iraq of U.S. Army Private First Class Collier E. Barcus of McHenry on Thursday, July 8, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Collier Edwin Barcus was born on June 14, 1983 to Sandy Barcus and Greg Barcus; he finished high school on a Wyoming ranch, where he was home schooled and learned ranching skills; he had hoped to return to Wyoming someday to own his own ranch; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Barcus enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 11, 2001 because he wanted to do something to help his country; he followed in the footsteps of his brother, serving as a sniper; and

WHEREAS, He had been serving in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and lost his life when a sport utility vehicle rigged with a bomb drove into the headquarters shared by U.S. Forces and the Iraqi National Guard allies; after the bomb exploded, insurgents launched 38 mortars at the building; he had previously been rendered partially deaf by a nearby bombing and had the option to return home, but chose to remain in Iraq, committed to making the Iraqi people free; and

WHEREAS, Private First Class Barcus was a member of the United States Army, serving in the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division; he planned on re-enlisting when his tour was scheduled to end in October of 2005; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Private First Class Collier Edwin Barcus has been deeply felt by many, especially his mother, Sandy Barcus; his father, Greg Barcus; his brother, Micah; his sister, Jessa; his grandmother, Yvonne Barcus; his many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and comrades; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of U.S. Army Private First Class Collier E. Barcus, and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Private First Class Barcus 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 U.S. Army Private First Class Collier E. Barcus as an expression of our sincerest condolences.