SR0099 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0099 LRB094 11586 CSA 42628 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Marine Cpl. Kevin M. Clarke, of Tinley Park, was killed in action by small-arms fire in Qaim, in western Iraq near the Syrian border, on February 19, 2005; and

WHEREAS, He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, where he spent last summer before returning to Iraq for his second deployment as a rifle team leader with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; he was scheduled to return home in March 2005; and

WHEREAS, He was a 2002 Andrew High School graduate who will be remembered by his many friends as a strong, talented athlete with a big, warm personality; he was a good student who was kind to everybody and an inspiration to everyone; he distinguished himself early on as a leader; and

WHEREAS, Kevin joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduation, but as far back as junior high, he listed "Navy Seal" in his yearbook as what he wanted to be when he grew up; he never had a single doubt about their mission and believed they were helping to free the people of Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Kevin is survived by his father and mother, Philip and Catherine Clarke, and his sisters, Cynthia and Kathryn; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that together with his family, friends, fellow members of the United States armed forces, and the citizens of this State and this great nation, we mourn the passing of Marine Cpl. Kevin M. Clarke and we extend to his family our sincerest condolences; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to his family as an expression of our deepest sympathy.