 Springfield, Ill – Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) has successfully advanced four House Joint Resolutions commemorating local heroes who went Missing in Action (MIA) in service to their country. These resolutions, which passed the House this week, aim to honor the memory and valor of fallen service members by designating sections of highways in their names. “The designation of these highways in honor of our fallen heroes ensures that their sacrifices will never be forgotten,” said Kifowit, who is herself a USMC Veteran. “Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice exemplify the highest ideals of service and bravery. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. Our work will not be done until we have recognized and honored all of our Illinois Missing in Action in this way.” This initiative is headed by Rolling Thunder Chapter 1’s Robert Patterson, Gold Star Father of SPC Christopher Patterson, KIA January 6, 2012. “As a Gold Star Father, I feel myself as fortunate in knowing what happened to my son and knowing he is home with us,” he said. “I cannot begin to fathom what the families of our Missing in Action must go through never knowing what happened to their heroes. David Eagleman said ‘a person dies 3 times, the first when their body ceases to function, the second time when their remains are consigned to the ground, and the third time when their name is spoken for the last time’. We at Rolling Thunder know these street signs will not bring these heroes home, but we hope their families can take some comfort in knowing their loved one's names will continue to be spoken, and that we will never forget their service.” Joint resolutions, such as these, require approval from both the House and Senate, but not the Governor's signature, to become effective. HJR 53 honors the memory of Sergeant First Class Ogden N. Thompson by designating Route 25 in Aurora from Sullivan Road to Ashland Avenue as the "SFC Ogden N. Thompson Memorial Highway." SFC Thompson, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War, is remembered for his selfless service and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers. HJR 54 commemorates Private First Class Wayne W. Hill Jr. by designating Route 31 in Aurora from Sullivan Road to Ashland Avenue as the "PFC Wayne W. Hill Jr. Memorial Highway." PFC Hill, who bravely fought during the Korean War, made the ultimate sacrifice while in enemy captivity. HJR 55 designates Route 31 in Batavia from Main Street south to Mooseheart Road as the "SSG Robert D. Herreid Memorial Highway." Staff Sergeant Robert Dale Herreid, a distinguished member of the U.S. Army's 5th Special Forces Group, valiantly served his nation until his untimely death in the line of duty in South Vietnam in 1968. HJR 56 memorializes Sergeant First Class Theodore A. Katsoolias by designating Route 59 in West Chicago from Route 38 to Route 64 as the "SFC Theodore A. Katsoolias Memorial Highway." SFC Katsoolias, who served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, went missing in action while bravely defending his comrades against overwhelming enemy forces. These resolutions exemplify Illinois' enduring commitment to honoring the courageous men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. Representative Kifowit extends her deepest gratitude to the families of these fallen heroes for their sacrifice and service. For more information, contact Representative Kifowit’s office at (630) 585-1308 or [email protected]. # # #
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