SR0711 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0711 LRB095 21414 KXB 50785 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller of Oviedo, Florida, formerly of Wheaton, who was killed in action near Barikowt, Afghanistan on January 25, 2008; and

WHEREAS, He was a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne); and

WHEREAS, He was born on October 14, 1983 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; he was a 2002 graduate of Wheaton North High School; he volunteered for military service and enlisted in the Army on August 14, 2003 as a Special Forces candidate; he went on to graduate the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2005, earning the coveted "Green Beret"; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, he was deployed with 3rd SFG (A) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; during this deployment, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for his courage in the face of the enemy; he was also promoted to the rank of staff sergeant while deployed; his other awards and decorations include: Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab; and

WHEREAS, St. Michael Church and School in Wheaton will be naming a plaza in honor of Sergeant Miller; and

WHEREAS, Robert Miller is survived by his parents, Philip and Maureen Miller; his brothers, Thomas, Martin, and Edward; and his sisters, Joanna, Mary, Therese, and Patricia; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his parents and siblings, the passing of United States Army Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Robert J. Miller 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 Robert J. Miller as a symbol of our sympathy.