SR0971 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Sergeant Mark A. Simpson of Fort Hood, Texas, formerly of Peoria, who passed away on September 26, 2010, in Kandahar, Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Mark Simpson was born on February 3, 1970, in Peoria; he was a graduate of Richwood High School; and

WHEREAS, After working as a security guard, truck driver, and in food management, Sgt. Mark Simpson joined the United States Army in 2005; after serving tours at Fort Drum, New York and Fort Hood, Texas, he was deployed to serve in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Mark Simpson earned numerous awards for his meritorious service, including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze service star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze service star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Driver and Mechanic Badge, and the Expert Rifle Badge; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Mark Simpson was an avid computer gamer; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Mark Simpson was preceded in death by his son, Mark A. Simpson Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Mark Simpson is survived by his wife, Aletha A. Simpson; his daughters, Shantallia K. Simpson, Krystin M. Simpson, and Jamie S. Simpson; his parents, George and Carol Simpson; his brother, George F. Simpson; and his sisters, Beth A. Camp, Carol K. Goewey, and Amy K. Lee; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Mark Simpson's patriotism and courage will be remembered fondly by his loving family, his fellow soldiers, and the citizens of our grateful nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Sergeant Mark A. Simpson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sgt. Mark Simpson as an expression of our sympathy.