Bill Text: IL HR0262 | 2011-2012 | 97th General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Mourns the death of United States Army Staff Sergeant Matthew W. Weikert of Jacksonville.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2011-04-13 - Resolution Adopted [HR0262 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2011-HR0262-Introduced.html

---

HR0262 LRB097 11494 GRL 54187 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of United
States Army Staff Sergeant Matthew W. Weikert of Jacksonville,
who gave his life defending America's freedom on July 17, 2010,
in the Paktika Province in Southern Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Matthew W. Weikert was born May 15, 1981 in Sioux
City, Iowa; he is the son of Richard W. "Dick" and Susan B.
Weikert; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert was a 2000 graduate
of Jacksonville High School, where he was a member of the
soccer team; he was also a member of the First Presbyterian
Church in Jacksonville; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Weikert enlisted in the United States
Marine Corps in August of 2001 and served 3 tours in Iraq in
only 4 years; he later enlisted in the United States Army,
where he completed another tour in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert was serving in
Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault), out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky at the time of his

HR0262 - 2 - LRB097 11494 GRL 54187 r
death; as a military leader, he had the courage to endure 5
deployments in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom
and considered it his personal mission to properly prepare the
soldiers under his command and keep them safe from harm; and
WHEREAS, After his dismounted patrol encountered an
improvised explosive device, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert
was wounded, but was able to radio the coordinates of their
group; helicopters were deployed to the scene, saving the life
of two soldiers also wounded in the attack; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert was the recipient
of numerous decorations for his meritorious service, including
the Combat Action Ribbon (Navy/Marine), the Presidential Unit
Citation (Navy/Marine), the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the
Army Good Conduct Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal,
the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service
Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal,
the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War
on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Navy
Reserve Sea Service with 2 Stars, the NATO Medal, the Combat
Infantry Badge, and the Combat Action Badge; he was also
awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star; and
WHEREAS, United States and Illinois State flags throughout
the State of Illinois flew at half-staff from July 24 to July

HR0262 - 3 - LRB097 11494 GRL 54187 r
26, 2010; additionally, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
ordered the flags to fly at half-staff on July 26, 2010 as a
symbol of mourning and honor for the sacrifice of Staff
Sergeant Matthew Weikert; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert will be remembered
for his love of country, his generous spirit, his patriotism,
and his love for his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, In his spare time, Matthew Weikert enjoyed hunting
pheasant with his grandfather, playing golf with his family and
friends, and spending time with his son, Jayse, which he looked
forward to the most; he was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals
and Dallas Cowboys fan; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert dedicated his life
to defending America's freedom and gave the ultimate sacrifice;
he will be missed by his mother and father, Susan B. (Kiel) and
Richard W. "Dick" Weikert of Jacksonville; his sisters, Meghan
and Melissa; his son, Jayse Schaecher Weikert; his girlfriend,
Danica Schild and their daughter, Mattisyn Weikert; the mother
of his son, Megan Schaecher; his paternal grandparents, Richard
A. and Virginia Weikert of Sioux City, Iowa; his maternal
grandparents, Reverend Wesley and Nell Kiel of Holland,
Michigan; his aunts and uncles, Cathy and Neil (deceased)
Dartman, Kim Weikert-Moner and Chris Moner, Steven (Sheryl)

HR0262 - 4 - LRB097 11494 GRL 54187 r
Kiel, Sheryl (Dave) Mallehan, Scott (Cathy) Kiel; his many
cousins; his fellow soldiers; and the citizens of our grateful
nation; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we mourn, along with his family, friends, and the rest of a
grateful nation, the passing of United States Army Staff
Sergeant Matthew W. Weikert; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert as a
symbol of our sincere sympathy.