HR0019 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0019 LRB097 06101 GRL 46174 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Private First Class Andrew N. Meari of Plainfield, who gave his life defending America's freedom on November 1, 2010, in the Zhari district of Kandahar, Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, PFC Andrew Meari was born on September 14, 1989, in Chicago; he was the son of Denise Meehan of Plainfield and Mahmoud Meari of Grafton, Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, PFC Andrew Meari attended Drauden Point Middle School and Plainfield South High School; he subsequently earned his diploma from Port Washington High School in Wisconsin, where he graduated early, before joining the U.S. Army in 2008; and

WHEREAS, PFC Andrew Meari served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, PFC Andrew Meari was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge in recognition of his service; and

WHEREAS, United States and Illinois flags throughout the State flew at half-staff from November 8-10, 2010, as a symbol of mourning and to honor the sacrifice of PFC Andrew Meari; and

WHEREAS, PFC Andrew Meari will be remembered for his love of country, generous spirit, patriotism, and love for his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, PFC Andrew Meari dedicated his life to defending America's freedom and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his nation; he will be dearly missed by his mother, Denise (Gerald) Meehan; his father, Mahmoud (Aisha) Meari; his brothers, Ethan and Andrew; his sister, Jenna; his grandmother, Vivienne Williams; his uncle, Todd (Stacie) Williams; his fellow soldiers; and the citizens of a grateful nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family, friends, and the members of a grateful nation, the passing of United States Army Private First Class Andrew N. Meari; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of PFC Andrew Meari as a symbol of our sympathy.