HR1140 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1140 LRB093 23009 HSS 52957 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that the members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois learned of the death of U.S. Army Sergeant Christopher Allen Wagener of Fairview Heights on Thursday, July 1, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Wagener was born on July 22, 1979 in Peoria to Kenneth and Dani Wagener; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Wagener entered the U.S. Army just two weeks after his 1998 graduation from Belleville East High School; he obtained the rank of Sergeant and was a member of the 10th Mountain Division, Company C, 10th Aviation Brigade, where he served as a helicopter repair technician and had goals of becoming a pilot; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Wagener served tours of duty around the world, including Germany, Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Iraq; he was a dedicated soldier who, after six years in the Army, had the opportunity to leave the service, but chose to re-enlist in February of 2004, even while he was serving in hostile conditions; his bravery earned him the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Wagener loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hiking, kayaking on challenging rivers, and photography; he is remembered for his fondness of the music of Nickelback and science fiction movies as well as for telling far-fetched tales; and

WHEREAS, The passing of Sergeant Wagener has been deeply felt by many, especially his parents, Kenneth and Dani Wagener; his sister, Michelle (Aaron) Friederich; his paternal grandmother, Gloria Wagener; his maternal grandmother, Marian DelVecchio; his niece, Taylor Friederich; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death of U.S. Army Sergeant Christopher Allen Wagener, 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 Sergeant Wagener, 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 Sergeant Christopher Allen Wagener as an expression of our sincerest condolences.