HR1506 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1506 LRB094 21940 KXB 60416 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Marine Sergeant Thomas Michael Gilbert of Downers Grove, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Gilbert died on October 25, 2006, defending his country while serving his second tour in Iraq, for which he volunteered; he was killed in combat while fighting insurgents in the Anbar province of Iraq, just west of Baghdad; and

WHEREAS, He was a 2000 graduate of Downers Grove North High School; he attended Lester, Herrick, and Downers Grove North schools; he played football in high school, as well as being a member of the track team; and

WHEREAS, He was a marketing major at Western Michigan University; he joined the Marine Reserve in September of 2000; he was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Gilbert is described as a proud Irishman who loved hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, wakeboarding, outdoor sports, and hanging out with his friends; and

WHEREAS, Letters were read at the funeral of Thomas Gilbert from his Marine unit, thanking him for jeopardizing his life to save his friends; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Gilbert was the loving son of Michael and Theresa Gilbert; in addition to his parents, he leaves behind to cherish his memory: his sisters, Tamara Gilbert and Trisha (Brad) Pelhank; his grandparents, George and Joann Cooper and Patricia (the late Harvey "Jack") Gilbert; his aunts and uncles, Mary (Bob) Tennyson, Sharon (the late Jim) Gilbert, Dan (Marla) Gilbert, Margaret (the late Rick) Tovey, Rick (Sandy) Gilbert, Charles Gilbert, Theresa Gilbert, Dave (Peggy) Cooper, and Patti (Rick) Lahey; his cousins, John (Christina) Gilbert, Bridget (Reed) Knowlton, Amy Gilbert, Jennifer (Luke) Crawford, Nick Gilbert, Elizabeth Gilbert, Max Gilbert, Luis Gilbert, MaryJo Gilbert, Josh Mattox, Eddie Mattox, Ricky Gilbert, Brian Gilbert, Ryan Severin, Kalyn Cooper, Tanya Cooper, and Adam Cooper; he was preceded in death by his cousin, Connor Lahey; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we again express our sympathies to the family of Marine Sergeant Thomas Gilbert for his tremendous sacrifice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Thomas Gilbert.