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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
  
2    WHEREAS, Benjamin O. Davis was born on July 1, 1877 in 
3Washington, D.C.; he entered the military on July 13, 1898 as a 
4first lieutenant of the 8th United States Volunteer Infantry, 
5an all-black unit; his first independent command began in 1938, 
6commanding the 369th National Guard Infantry Regiment; he held 
7multiple posts during his career, and after 42 years of loyal 
8service, he became the first black American general officer 
9with his promotion to brigadier general on October 25,
1940; 
10and
  
 
11    WHEREAS, Benjamin O. Davis VFW Post 311 was founded in 
12August of 2002 and  marks its 15th anniversary in 2017; it 
13relocated to Richton Park in 2009; its mission is to honor its

14namesake and comrades by supporting the community and 
15empowering veterans through job fairs, health
screenings, and 
16counseling; and
  
 
17    WHEREAS, Benjamin O. Davis VFW Post 311 was recognized by 
18receiving "All American" status for its dedication to the 
19community in 2013, and again in 2017; it also received the 
20"2013 National Outstanding Community Service Award" from the 
21National VFW for its work from May of 2012 to May of 2013; and
  
 
22    WHEREAS, Benjamin O. Davis VFW Post 311 has supported 
 
 
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1veterans and their families through various events such as  
2blood drives,
parades, and outreach events;  it is treasured by 
3the community and helps local governmental
units and community 
4based organizations; its advocacy also includes support of the  
5National Home in
 Michigan; and
  
 
6    WHEREAS, Benjamin O. Davis VFW Post 311 is holding its 
7Fourth Annual Commanders Ball/Scholarship Awards Dinner on 
8June 24, 2017, and will award six $1,000 scholarships this 
9year; therefore, be it
  
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
11HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
12recognize Benjamin O. Davis VFW Post 311 on its 15th 
13anniversary and thank the members for their commitment to the 
14betterment of the community and their support for veterans; and 
15be it further
  
 
16    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
17presented to the members of Benjamin O. Davis VFW Post 311  as a 
18symbol of our respect and esteem.