Bill Text: IL HJR0070 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designates the portion of Illinois Route 108 passing through the city limits of Carrollton as the "CPL Melvin Carter Wheeler Jr. Memorial Highway".

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2026-10-28 - Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer [HJR0070 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HJR0070-Introduced.html

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is highly appropriate that the Illinois
General Assembly pays respect to those who have served our
State and country in the name of freedom and, in doing so, have
made the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Melvin Carter Wheeler Jr. was one of
countless Illinoisans who bravely answered the call to serve
their country, demonstrating unwavering commitment and courage
in the face of danger throughout his military service; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Wheeler was born to Melvin Carter
Wheeler Sr. and Edith Terpening Wheeler on January 5, 1949 in
Carrollton, where he would spend much of his early life before
graduating from Carrollton Community Unit High School in 1967;
and
WHEREAS, Corporal Wheeler enlisted in the United States
Army and served in the Vietnam War, beginning his tour of duty
on October 15, 1970 as a light-weapons infantryman attached to
Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Airborne;
and
WHEREAS, Corporal Wheeler lost his life on April 4, 1971
near Khe San, Vietnam while serving his country, with his

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passing marking the first and only tragic loss of a Carrollton
serviceman and the final loss of a Greene County serviceman
during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Following his passing, Corporal Wheeler was laid
to rest in his hometown of Carrollton in Carter Cemetery, and
he is honored with an inscription on the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. on Panel 4W, Line 107; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Wheeler was posthumously awarded the
rank of Corporal, and throughout his service, he received the
National Defense, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign medals
as well as the Combat Infantry Badge; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Wheeler's memory and sacrifice continue
to be honored in Carrollton through the Melvin Carter
Wheeler/Class of '67 Memorial Scholarship offered through his
alma mater of Carrollton High School, preserving his legacy
for future generations; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Wheeler's sacrifice serves as an
ever-present reminder of the unrivaled courage of the men and
women who have given their lives in defense of our liberties,
our country, and our State; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE

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HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE
SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the portion of
Illinois Route 108 passing through the city limits of
Carrollton as the "CPL Melvin Carter Wheeler Jr. Memorial
Highway"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation
is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with
State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs
giving the notice of the name "CPL Melvin Carter Wheeler Jr.
Memorial Highway"; and be it further
RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
presented to the family of Corporal Wheeler, the City of
Carrollton, and to the Illinois Department of Transportation.