Quinn salutes “For the Fallen”

CHICAGO – December 20, 2004

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn today joined “For the Fallen”, a local not-for-profit volunteer organization, as it presented dozens of gift cards to hospitalized U.S. Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines who have been injured in the line of duty in Iraq.

The donation was presented to Marine Lt. Col. Steven Galindo and Major Rick Coates, and the gift cards will be sent to Marines from their Chicago-based unit who are receiving treatment at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland and Balbo Naval Hospital in San Diego.

“Often, when soldiers are injured and transported to the hospital, they have nothing more than the clothing on their backs,” said Quinn. “By giving injured soldiers the resources to obtain transitional clothing until family members can send their personal items, this generous donation by For the Fallen restores dignity to those who have sacrificed so much.”

For the Fallen (forthefallen.org) was founded in 2004 to provide financial relief for families of U.S. soldiers who have been killed or severely wounded in the global war against terrorism. The organization gives grants to families to cover the costs of food, housing, medical services, school tuitions, or any other expenses they find difficult to afford. For the Fallen puts money directly into the pockets of soldiers and their families so they can get the help they need.

“The war on terrorism has taken the lives of countless men and women and left others struggling with severe physical and mental health problems,” Quinn said. “I commend For the Fallen and their efforts to alleviate the financial strain that takes a toll on so many of our brave men and women and their families.”

“The holiday season is upon us. As we prepare to enjoy the time we have with our loved ones, we should remember those military families who, during moments like these, feel the separation from their loved ones all the more deeply,” said Quinn. “It is time to give generously of ourselves for those who have sacrificed their lives for our safety.”

The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, drafted by Quinn and unanimously passed by the General Assembly, was signed into law in February, 2003, by Governor Rod Blagojevich. The fund assists the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty with rent, car payments, and utility bills. The fund has distributed more than $2.4 million to 4,300 Illinois military families.

“It is our responsibility to offer aid and support to the veterans who bravely protected our freedom in the past, as well as those men and women who are overseas fighting to protect our country from terrorism today,” Quinn said. “When our servicemen and women return home, they should receive the best care America has to offer. For the Fallen and the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund exist to do just that.”

As recognition of his dedication to taking up the cause of Illinois’ servicemen and women, Lt. Gov. Quinn received a letter of appreciation from Major General Douglas V. O’Dell Jr., the Commanding General, 4th Marine Division of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.