Written by Jacobs Staff Thursday, 11 August 2011 07:55
SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) attended a Freedom Salute this week to welcome back soldiers who have deployed to keep the peace between Egypt and Israel.
"A Freedom Salute is an honor bestowed by the Illinois National Guard to its soldiers upon their return from active duty," stated Senator Jacobs. "I am honored to have been a part of this celebration of our brave soldiers."
The ceremony is an opportunity to honor the men and women who served so valiantly in support of our nation’s call to duty. Approximately 440 soldiers were with the Battalions that were mobilized in May of 2010 and returned home to their friends and families in May of this year.
The Battalions include: The Milan-based 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment includes the Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery in Milan; Headquarters, 2nd Battalion 123rd Field Artillery in Milan; Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery in Milan; Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 123 Field Artillery in Macomb, and Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery in Galesburg.
These men and women were part of the Multinational Force and Observers who were instrumental in keeping the peace set forth in the terms of the 1979 Peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
"I salute these brave men that left their family thousands of miles behind, and put their lives on the line every single day to ensure peace and security in a very unstable region of our world," stated Jacobs.
Senator Jacobs Menu
36th District
Years served: 2005 - Present (Senate)
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Insurance; Appropriations I; Revenue; Telecommunications & Technology (Vice-Chairperson); Energy (Chairperson); Revenue Subcomm. on Special Issues; Subcommittee on Insurance Mandates.
Biography: Appointed to Senate on February 9, 2005; born June 25, 1960, in Moline, Illinois; B.S. in political studies from University of Illinois at Springfield; M.S., political science, University of West Florida; former Downstate Liaison to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; fourth generation family member to serve in the Illinois General Assembly; married (wife, Beth Wendt), has one son, Elliott.