Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) proposed renaming a road after Libertyville native Army Spc. Wesley R. Wells, who was killed in action in 2004. | File Photo
Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) proposed renaming a road after Libertyville native Army Spc. Wesley R. Wells, who was killed in action in 2004. | File Photo
The House was silent for a moment to honor fallen Army Spc. Wesley R. Wells, who was killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2004.
State Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) asked the House May 5 to consider designating a portion of Illinois Route 137 to Butterfield Road in Libertyville as the Army Spc. Wesley R. Wells Memorial Road.
"This small act is the least we can do for his sacrifice," Bos said.
Wells was killed in action in eastern Afghanistan during the conflict with Taliban and Al-Qaeda groups during Operation Enduring Freedom on Sept. 20, 2004.
According to Bos, Wells enlisted in the Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and told his loved ones that he "wanted to make a career out of protecting his country."
After high school, Wells enlisted in the Army and began his service stationed at the Army Schofield Barracks in Honolulu. He was deployed to Afghanistan in April of 2004 and was there until he was killed on Sept. 20, 2004, in Paktika Province, Afghanistan.
Wells was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Infantryman Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Army Service Ribbons, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
Wells was a native to Libertyville and attended Libertyville High School.
The Illinois Department of Transportation would place the plaques and signs on the memorial highway.
House Joint Resolution 21 to designate the memorial was referred to Senate Assignments after being adopted in the House.
Alerts Sign-up