HR0262 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of United States Army Staff Sergeant Matthew W. Weikert of Jacksonville, who gave his life defending America's freedom on July 17, 2010, in the Paktika Province in Southern Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Matthew W. Weikert was born May 15, 1981 in Sioux City, Iowa; he is the son of Richard W. "Dick" and Susan B. Weikert; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert was a 2000 graduate of Jacksonville High School, where he was a member of the soccer team; he was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Weikert enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August of 2001 and served 3 tours in Iraq in only 4 years; he later enlisted in the United States Army, where he completed another tour in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert was serving in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky at the time of his death; as a military leader, he had the courage to endure 5 deployments in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and considered it his personal mission to properly prepare the soldiers under his command and keep them safe from harm; and

WHEREAS, After his dismounted patrol encountered an improvised explosive device, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert was wounded, but was able to radio the coordinates of their group; helicopters were deployed to the scene, saving the life of two soldiers also wounded in the attack; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert was the recipient of numerous decorations for his meritorious service, including the Combat Action Ribbon (Navy/Marine), the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy/Marine), the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Navy Reserve Sea Service with 2 Stars, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Combat Action Badge; he was also awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star; and

WHEREAS, United States and Illinois State flags throughout the State of Illinois flew at half-staff from July 24 to July 26, 2010; additionally, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear ordered the flags to fly at half-staff on July 26, 2010 as a symbol of mourning and honor for the sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert will be remembered for his love of country, his generous spirit, his patriotism, and his love for his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, In his spare time, Matthew Weikert enjoyed hunting pheasant with his grandfather, playing golf with his family and friends, and spending time with his son, Jayse, which he looked forward to the most; he was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys fan; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert dedicated his life to defending America's freedom and gave the ultimate sacrifice; he will be missed by his mother and father, Susan B. (Kiel) and Richard W. "Dick" Weikert of Jacksonville; his sisters, Meghan and Melissa; his son, Jayse Schaecher Weikert; his girlfriend, Danica Schild and their daughter, Mattisyn Weikert; the mother of his son, Megan Schaecher; his paternal grandparents, Richard A. and Virginia Weikert of Sioux City, Iowa; his maternal grandparents, Reverend Wesley and Nell Kiel of Holland, Michigan; his aunts and uncles, Cathy and Neil (deceased) Dartman, Kim Weikert-Moner and Chris Moner, Steven (Sheryl) Kiel, Sheryl (Dave) Mallehan, Scott (Cathy) Kiel; his many cousins; his fellow soldiers; and the citizens of our 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 rest of a grateful nation, the passing of United States Army Staff Sergeant Matthew W. Weikert; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.