SR2263 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2263 LRB100 24462 ALS 43782 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Corporal Daniel Baker of Tremont, who passed away on December 6, 2018 while in service to his country; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Baker was born to Duane and Elizabeth Baker on January 21, 1997; he grew up in Tremont and attended Tremont High School, where he participated in the soccer club and on the robotics team, the Tremont Roboteers FIRST Team 2481; he devoted endless hours to the robotics team, and he grew in knowledge, skill and maturity; he represented the team well and enjoyed meeting people from around the world at competitions and the championship events; he was also active in his church youth group and served on the leadership team for the Cabin Youth Ministry; he graduated from Tremont High School in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Baker enlisted with the United States Marine Corps in the spring of 2016; he completed his training in August 2016 and earned a meritorious promotion to Private First Class; over the next year, he completed a number of training schools at a variety of stations around the country; while at the Little Rock Air Force Base for his Military Occupational Specialty training, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in February 2017; there, he completed his initial KC130J training and was formally awarded Naval Aircrew insignia, in addition to the designation of KC-130J Crewmaster in December 2017; he was promoted to his current rank in February 2018 and, when not away on flying missions, was soon hand selected to fill the role of Enlisted Aircrew Operations Clerk; he also attended Corporals Training at MCAS Iwakuni, where he graduated at the top of his class and received an award for academic excellence in August 2018; as a Marine, he was well respected for his intelligence and diligence; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Baker liked adventure and enjoyed hunting, camping, hiking, time around the bonfire, and traveling with friends; he was always willing to help where he could; he was encouraging, positive, and adventurous; he loved his faith, his family, his country, and his work; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Baker is survived by his parents; his sister, Adelle; his grandparents, Herman and Eva Baker and Dr. Daniel and Joanne Baer; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Corporal Daniel Baker and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Corporal Baker as an expression of our deepest sympathy.