RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, AT&T Pioneers in Chicago are joining forces with Chicago Aldermen to collect cell phones for the not for profit organization - Cell Phones for Soldiers; and,
WHEREAS, Alderman James A. Balcer, as a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, whole heartily supports this program; and,
WHERESA, Cell Phones for Soldiers collection drives is a part of "Operation: Serve our Troops," a multi-state AT&T Pioneers effort to show support for and serve our nations military men and women; and,
WHEREAS, founded in 1911 as the Telephone Pioneers of America with Alexander Graham Bell as one of the first members, the AT&T Pioneers continue to build on the millions of hours dedicated to helping others; and,
WHEREAS, Each year, AT&T Pioneers collect cell phones benefiting Cell Phones for Soldiers and also prepare and send thousands of care packages to troops serving overseas, greet soldiers at airports and host various events to recognize the sacrifice of military members and their families; and,
WHEREAS, to date, AT&T Pioneers have collected more than 25,000 cell phones in support of Cell Phones for Soldiers; and,
WHEREAS, collection bins will be set up at all participating Aldermanic offices starting in July 2011 and will be on going through Thanksgiving, to provide the community with the opportunity to give back and serve our troops; and,
WHEREAS, freedom as Americans is protected every single day thanks to our men and women in uniform; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this 6thd ay of July 2011, commend AT&T Pioneers and applaud our troops for their sacrifice and hope that a call home will make a small difference to them and their loved ones.