STATEHOUSE (March 24, 2009) - Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland) today joined the Indiana General Assembly in honoring the families of Indiana soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending their country, especially those fighting the war on terrorism. In a resolution, the Indiana General Assembly offered gratitude and prayers to the families of the 152 fallen men and women from Indiana, including Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew F. Whitacre from Bryant. Whitacre died on June 19, 2008, while conducting combat operations in Farah Province in Afghanistan, making him the 19th member of the armed services from Indiana to die in Afghanistan or Pakistan since U.S. anti-terrorism operations began in late 2001. Twenty-one-year-old Whitacre was a 2005 graduate of Jay County High School. He joined the Marines shortly after graduation. "Andrew's passion for helping others was evident in his desire to serve his country, even at the age of 14 when he decided he wanted to be a Marine," said Rep. Davis. "His friends and family can take comfort in the knowledge that he believed in what he was doing and that he is truly an American hero." As part of the ceremony, the families were invited into the House chamber for the reading of the resolution. Following this reading, the names of the soldiers were read and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, spoke before the assembly. "Having the opportunity to honor Indiana's finest and the families that have stood beside them, was a truly humbling experience," said Rep. Davis. "I have the utmost respect for all soldiers that serve and lead this great country, and share my deepest condolences for all those family members who have lost their loved ones." Rep. Davis represents Jay County and parts of Randolph and Delaware counties. Whitacre's was the only name read from these Indiana counties. The resolution concluded with the ceremonial playing of taps. |
