HR0619 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0619 LRB097 14623 GRL 59502 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor Ray Wiedle for his work with the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight program; and

WHEREAS, Ray Wiedle served his country with pride and distinction as a member of the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, Ray Wiedle lived in Chatham for many years before moving to St. Ann, Missouri; after he moved, he became involved with Honor Flight though his real estate agent; he later participated as a guardian on a Franklin Country Honor Flight, where he met Springfield resident Bob Matteson; after going on the flight and talking with Bob, Mr. Wiedle decided that the central Illinois region, specifically Springfield, was underserved when it came to Honor Flights for veterans; and

WHEREAS, In January of 2009, in the midst of an ice storm, the first meeting to discuss an Honor Flight hub for central Illinois was convened; in February of 2009, the first public meeting was held at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport; in March of 2009, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight became a hub and was incorporated with the Honor Flight Network; and

WHEREAS, Under the guidance of Ray Wiedle, the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight hub has taken 13 flights and transported 833 veterans, free of charge, to see their memorials dedicated to the service and sacrifice of all veterans of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Ray Wiedle serves as a model of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois and veterans throughout the nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor Ray Wiedle for his work with the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight program and wish him continued success in his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Ray Wiedle as a symbol of our esteem and respect.