HR0536 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0536 LRB096 13360 GRL 28063 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Illinois Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Joshua Melton of Germantown, who was killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan on June 19, 2009; and

WHEREAS, SSG Joshua Melton was born on October 8, 1982 in Breese to Michael Melton and Debbie Rodgers; he married Larissa Melton on July 22, 2006 at St. Boniface Church in Germantown; and

WHEREAS, SSG Joshua Melton served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard, joining a year before his graduation from Central Community High School in Breese; he was on his second deployment after serving in Iraq from December of 2004 to March of 2006; and

WHEREAS, SSG Joshua Melton enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his daughter, Aubrey; he was also an avid hunter and fisherman and a member of the Carlyle VFW Post 3523; and

WHEREAS, SSG Joshua Melton was preceded in death by his grandmother, Clarice Reddick; his grandfather, Jinx Warren; his uncles, Dennis Melton and Tim Hitpas; and his aunt, Doris Legate; and

WHEREAS, SSG Joshua Melton is survived by his wife, Larissa Melton; his daughter, Aubrey Melton; his parents; his brother, Dustin (Lauren) Melton; his father-in-law, Steve Verdeyen; his mother-in-law, Carolyn (Rick) Pennington; his sister-in-law, Andrea (friend, Nate Richter) Verdeyen; his grandparents, Elmer and Nadine Melton and Bill Reddick; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and

WHEREAS, SSG Joshua Melton served as a model of patriotism, courage, and integrity for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Illinois Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Joshua Melton; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of SSG Joshua Melton as an expression of our sympathy.