On Tuesday, the Illinois House of Representatives adopted a resolution honoring a fallen Green Beret, Sgt. Gary J. Vasquez of Highland. House Joint Resolution 5 (HJR 5) sponsored by State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) passed unanimously in the House of Representatives.
Sgt. Gary Vasquez was one of 3 soldiers who gave their lives defending America’s freedom on September 29, 2008, when his vehicle hit an enemy improvised explosive device while conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in the vicinity of Yakhchal, Helmand Province, Afghanistan; he was riding with Capt. Richard G. Cliff, Jr. of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and Sgt. First Class Jamie S. Nicholas of Maysel, West Virginia.
“It is an honor to pass this resolution to ensure we never forget the sacrifice Sgt. Gary J. Vasquez made for our country,” said Rep. Meier. “His dedication and passion for his career was evident when he relayed stories about his missions with a sparkle in his eye and a soft excitement in his voice. It was shared with me that if he couldn’t work for the Army as a Special Forces Sergeant, his career would be as a father to his children, that is what we call a real hero, not just for our country but for his family.”
Pending approval of the Senate and Governor, the resolution will designate the section of Illinois Route 160 between the intersection of Broadway and Poplar Street in Highland and the intersection of West 4th Street and West 2nd Street in Trenton as the Sgt. Gary J. Vasquez Green Beret Memorial Highway.