HR0615 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0615 LRB093 15000 KEF 40569 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois recognize William Franker for his heroic military service; and

WHEREAS, In March 1967, at 17, Mr. Franker enlisted in the Unites States Marines; five days after graduation from Chicago Vocational he was on his way to boot camp; six months later, he landed in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, He spent his battles with Alpha Company in a tank, first as crewman, then as a tank commander, then as a heavy section leader; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Franker was wounded twice, each time when he was out of his tank; the first, May 19, 1969, took him out of action for weeks because he lost his hearing; it happened as he was guiding the tanks into defensive position for the night when one rolled over a land mine; he was four feet away, but the blast got him; and

WHEREAS, The second time he was wounded was August 2, 1969, when after a heavy storm of mortar fire, he got out of the tank to take care of his guys and help move the wounded; mortar fire started again, he was hit; and

WHEREAS, Things were tough for Mr. Franker when he returned from Vietnam in June 1970 after two tours; people didn't know how to treat him; it was tough to get a job; he is currently the warehouse manager at Illiana Transit warehouse in Hammond; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Franker and his wife of 24 years, Mary, have three children, Steve, Lauren, and Kim; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor William Franker who served his country valiantly through his military service; and we wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to William Franker as an expression of our respect and esteem.