2005 Assembly Joint Resolution 62
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and military service of United States Army Major Christopher J. Splinter.
Whereas, Army Major Christopher J. Splinter was born on October 9, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Virgil and Barbara Splinter, and died on December 24, 2003, near the city of Samarra, Iraq, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
Whereas, Major Splinter was assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, based at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri; and
Whereas, Major Splinter was married to Penny (Barton) Splinter, his high school sweetheart of 18 years; and
Whereas, Major Splinter and his wife have two children, a son, Mitchell, and a daughter, Rachel; and
Whereas, Major Splinter graduated from Platteville High School in 1979 and was a sports standout, being named All-Conference in both football and track; and
Whereas, Major Splinter received a degree in business administration in 1990 from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he joined the ROTC program; and
Whereas, Major Splinter strongly believed the Iraqi War was a just cause and Iraq would one day be a model state in the Middle East; and
Whereas, Major Splinter expressed these beliefs to his parents, writing, "The war is progressing slowly but in a positive direction. We continue to battle non-compliant forces. We will be successful, but must dig in our heels for the long term. I truly expect this country to be self-sufficient and stable in the next three to five years. Ten years from now, Iraq will be the show state in the Middle East. This is dependent on America not losing hope and forcing the Army to depart early"; and
Whereas, Major Splinter was awarded a 4th ID combat patch, the Bronze Star for his meritorious service and bravery during combat operations, and the Purple Heart for his physical sacrifice; and
Whereas, Major Splinter made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while advancing the cause of freedom for the Iraqi people and for the world; and
Whereas, Major Splinter will always be remembered for his bravery and courage and will never be forgotten; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature of the state of Wisconsin commemorates the remarkable life of Army Major Christopher J. Splinter and extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall transmit a copy of this joint resolution to Major Splinter's wife, Penny Splinter of Dubuque, Iowa.
