RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen lost his life while bravely serving his country in Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Mokena, Private Aaron S. Toppen was th son of Pam and the late Ronald; and
WHEREAS, United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen was one of five soldiers killed by friendly fire during a coalition air strike on June 9, 2014, while deployed to Gaza Village in southern Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Private Aaron S. Toppen was a 2013 graduate of Lincoln Way East High School and enlisted in the military in July of 2013; and
WHEREAS, United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen was trained at Fort Benning, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal; and
WHEREAS, United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen will be remembered as a remarkable young man who displayed great integrity and love of family; and
WHEREAS, The bravery, sacrifice and dedication of United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-fifth day of June, 2014, do hereby commemorate United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of United States Army Private Aaron S. Toppen.