Illinois Army National Guard Resolution

Washington, DC - Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) has joined his Illinois Congressional colleagues in honoring the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois Army National Guard for their recent service in Afghanistan. 

A resolution (H. Res. 936) was introduced on November 19 that reads: 

"Honoring the citizen-soldiers of the Army National Guard of the State of Illinois, including the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois Army National Guard, which recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan.

"Whereas the members of the Army National Guard of the State of Illinois reside throughout the State and come from various communities, backgrounds, and professions;

"Whereas units and members of the Illinois National Guard have been deployed, and are continuously being deployed, in support of United States military operations at home and overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and dozens of other countries;

"Whereas one such unit, the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois Army National Guard, is composed of approximately 3,000 citizen-soldiers from throughout the State of Illinois;

"Whereas during the deployment of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan, the primary mission of the brigade was to train and mentor members of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police;

"Whereas 18 members of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team were killed during the deployment and an additional 90 soldiers were wounded;

"Whereas members of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team were awarded more than 4,600 awards or decorations as a result of their service, including 66 Purple Hearts and 8 Bronze Stars for Valor; and

"Whereas the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team returned to the United States upon completion of the deployment in support of military operations in Afghanistan:  Now therefore, be it

"Resolved, That the House of Representatives -

"(1) expresses its gratitude to the members of the Army National Guard of the State of Illinois and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States;

"(2) commends the members of the 33rd Brigade Combat Team of the Illinois Army National Guard members, for their exemplary service."

Twenty-seven units across the state form the 33rd Brigade Combat Team, including Company B, 2-130th Infantry in Effingham; Company F, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Mt. Vernon; Company D, 2-130th Infantry in Salem; and nearby units in Litchfield, Marion, Mattoon, Springfield, and West Frankfort.

Among the 18 soldiers killed in action was Staff Sgt. Joshua A. Melton, 26, of Carlyle.

Shimkus also attended a welcome home ceremony in Altamont earlier this year for some members of the 33rd Brigade Combat Team.

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