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90_SR0015
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1 SENATE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, On October 30, 1996, the birthday of U.S. Air
3 Force Major Robert John Zukowski, his remains were returned
4 to this country, 27 years after his bomber plane went down
5 over Laos; and
6 WHEREAS, Robert Zukowski, son of Anthony and Stella
7 Zukowski of Burbank, grew up in Chicago's Brighton Park
8 neighborhood; he graduated from St. Ignatius High School and
9 earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the
10 University of Detroit College of Engineering and Architecture
11 in 1966; and
12 WHEREAS, Robert Zukowski was a member of the Illinois Air
13 Force Reserves and began his tour of duty in the Vietnam War
14 as a pilot with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron in 1968;
15 and
16 WHEREAS, On a mission over Laos, Major Zukowski made a
17 successful strike on his primary target and, as he began his
18 attack on the secondary target, his plane crashed; the date
19 was February 11, 1969; and
20 WHEREAS, Listed as missing in action for 10 years, Major
21 Zukowski was declared dead in 1979; in 1993, wreckage of his
22 plane was found, and after further excavation in 1996, his
23 remains were discovered; and
24 WHEREAS, The citizens of Illinois and all Americans are
25 rightfully proud of men such as Major Robert Zukowski; we owe
26 the preservation of our freedoms and our way of life to those
27 who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their
28 country; therefore, be it
29 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETIETH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
30 OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we extend to the Zukowski
31 family our sincere condolences in their time of sorrow; and
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1 be it further
2 RESOLVED, That we acknowledge with admiration the heroism
3 of Major Robert Zukowski in the defense of his country; and
4 be it further
5 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
6 presented to the family of Major Robert John Zukowski.
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