HR1214 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1214 LRB098 21888 MST 60804 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to honor Eric "Nailer" Swanson, Patriot Guard Ride Captain, on his volunteer efforts as Ride Captain in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Patriot Guard Riders is a 100% volunteer, federally registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization which ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged veterans; and

WHEREAS, The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation that have one thing in common besides motorcycles - an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America's freedom and security; its main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family with 2 basic objectives: show respect for fallen heroes, their families, and their communities, and shield the family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors; and

WHEREAS, Eric Swanson was born in Pensacola, Florida, and eventually moved to live with his grandmother in Missouri; he married Liz in 1974, and they have 2 children, Nikolas and Rebecca; he joined the United States Marines and served from 1969 to 1981, including tours in Vietnam from August 1969 to April 1973; he was awarded the Bronze Star and 4 Purple Hearts, among others medals; he remained active in the reserves from 1974 on; and

WHEREAS, Eric Swanson joined the Davenport Police Department in 1974 and worked in various departments until 1980; he also worked in the insurance industry for several years; he became a Patriot Guard Rider in December 2005 and accepted Ride Captain responsibilities in February 2006; today, he serves as a Ride Captain in Illinois, and as a Senior Ride Captain in Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Eric Swanson leads over 100 missions a year to support veterans, first responders, and their families; for each mission he notifies those involved, scouts a route, puts together the details of the ceremony, and leads the Patriot Guard to its destination; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor Eric "Nailer" Swanson, Patriot Guard Ride Captain, on his volunteer efforts as Ride Captain in Illinois; and be it further

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