Quigley Honors Local Heroes Home After Year in Afghanistan
Resolution acknowledges largest overseas deployment of Illinois National Guard soldiers since World War II, receives support from all 19 members of Illinois delegation
CHICAGO Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) has offered a resolution honoring the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois National Guard, who recently returned home from a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan just in time for Thanksgiving. The resolution, which thanks the soldiers for their service and commends them for their achievements, was signed by all 18 members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.
"We owe a debt to these men and women and their families - a debt that we can never fully repay," said Quigley. "The sacrifices made by these citizen soldiers, and the spouses and children they left behind during their deployment, represent the highest form of patriotism and service, and we must do everything we can to provide them with support and recognition as they transition back to civilian life. I'm also aware that while there will be many happy homecomings this holiday weekend, there are 18 empty seats at Thanksgiving tables across our State from this brigade alone. On behalf of a grateful nation, I also offer my deepest condolences to the families of those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will give thanks for them this holiday, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers forever."
The 33rd Infantry Brigade is composed of nearly 3,000 members, who trained the Afghan National Army and Police while deployed overseas. Eighteen members of the Brigade were killed in Afghanistan, and 90 were injured. Upon return, the Brigade was awarded more than 4,600 medals, including 66 Purple Hearts and eight Bronze Stars for Valor.
H. Res. 936 is Quigley's first initiative to receive the Illinois Delegation's unanimous support since he took office in April. The resolution has been referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Click here for an additional release from the Illinois Army and Air National Guard Public Affairs office, which includes photos of soldiers, some of their accomplishments, and a list of those soldiers who lost their lives.