RIVETING MEMORIAL FOR ILLINOIS' FALLEN UNVEILED

Today at  Northern Illinois University, on the eve of National Military Appreciation

Month, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will unveil the Portrait of a Soldier memorial, a series of hand-drawn portraits of 150 Illinois men and women who have died in service to our country since September 11, 2001.

The portraits were drawn by 24-year old Cameron Schilling of Mattoon, Illinois. Schilling drew his first portrait sketch in August 2004 after Army SPC Charles Neeley, also of Mattoon, was killed in Iraq. Schilling gave the portrait sketch to SPC Neeley's parents to convey his sympathy for their loss.

            In October 2005, Schilling decided to memorialize every fallen Illinois soldier. Schilling called his endeavor "Portrait of a Soldier" and set up a not-for-profit website of the same name where families could contact him and receive a portrait of their loved one.

Schilling took on this massive project while a full-time college student at Eastern Illinois University as a way to help Illinois Gold Star families and serve his country.

            "The Portrait of a Soldier memorial is a moving tribute to men and women who have given their last full measure of devotion to our democracy," Quinn said. "I commend Cameron Schilling for making sure our fallen military heroes live forever in our memory. I encourage everyone to come see the Portrait of a Soldier memorial and honor the sacrifice of our fallen heroes."

            The Portrait of a Soldier memorial will be on display in the Holmes Student Center through Sunday, May 6. The exhibit will be open to the public Monday - Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

            Quinn was joined by Eddie R. Williams, Executive Vice-President and Chief of Operations for Northern Illinois University. Mayor Frank Van Buer will also be in attendance.

For more information on Portrait of a Soldier, visit www.OperationHomefront.org. With nearly 19 million hits, it's one of the country's most informative websites on supporting our troops.