Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) paid tribute on Tuesday to the families of the 152 fallen men and women from Indiana who made the ultimate sacrifice defending their country, especially those fighting the war on terrorism.
Rep. Burton invited all family members to a small reception prior to the resolution, where Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman joined him in giving their personal appreciation and condolences to each individual family.
“Saying ‘Thank you’ will never be enough to describe the gratitude I have towards these families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving this great country,” said Rep. Burton. “I am truly honored and extremely moved to have the opportunity today to give praise to our fallen heroes and their families who have stood beside them.”
Family members were invited into the House chamber for the reading of the resolution. Following the reading, all 152 names of fallen Hoosier soldiers were read.
“Having these families here today gives a surreal face to all the servicemen and -women working to make our country a better and safer place to live. All Hoosiers should remember these troops and their families in their thoughts and prayers.”
Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, also praised the fallen heroes: “It is truly a blessing to be here today with the families of Indiana’s finest soldiers. I am pleased that the Indiana General Assembly was able to take the time to honor the families that have lost their loved ones. God bless every family.”
Maj. Gen. Umbarger was appointed as the adjutant general for the Indiana National Guard in 2004 and represents more than 15,000 military men and women.
Rep. Burton represents a portion of Johnson County; the names of three soldiers were read to the House:
- Army Chief Warrant Officer Brian D. Hazelgrove, 29, who was killed Jan. 23, 2004, in Iraq.
- Army Sgt. Paul M. Heltzel, 39, who was killed March 15, 2005, in Iraq.
- Army Sgt. Joseph E. Proctor, 38, who was killed May 3, 2006, in Iraq.
The resolution concluded with the ceremonial playing of taps.
