IL SR0925

Illinois Senate mourns the death of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Robert John "R.J." Newton of Creve Coeur, who died on August 23, 2010, while supporting combat operations in Bastion, Afghanistan

LCpl. Newton was born August 21, 1989, in Naples, Florida, and enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from East Peoria Community High School in 2007, serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division

LCpl. Newton received numerous medals and decorations including the Marine Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal ISAF Afghanistan, and a posthumous Purple Heart

LCpl. Newton is survived by his parents Richard B. and Denise R. Wainscott Newton, his sister Breanna Newton, grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and lifelong friends

Senate directs that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to LCpl. Newton's family as an expression of sympathy