1.1A Senate resolution
1.2congratulating Colonel Richard Johnson for his military service and recognizing his
1.3work to restore a Purple Heart to a veteran's family.
1.4WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to members of the United
1.5States armed forces who die or become wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy;
1.6and
1.7WHEREAS, the Senate of the State of Minnesota honors Colonel Richard Johnson, USMC,
1.8Retired, for his military service. Colonel Johnson continues to serve the Red Wing Marine Corps
1.9League Detachment #510, and played a crucial role in establishing a Purple Heart Memorial at
1.10John Rich Park in Red Wing; and
1.11WHEREAS, upon the discovery of a Purple Heart certificate in storage at a Veterans Service
1.12Office, Colonel Johnson went to great lengths to unite the certificate with the family of the recipient;
1.13and
1.14WHEREAS, Colonel Johnson, himself a Purple Heart recipient, located Corporal Donovan
1.15Kline's family and presented them with the Purple Heart certificate on October 5, 2023. The family
1.16expressed their immense gratitude for his efforts; and
1.17WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota appreciates the sacrifices that our Purple Heart recipients
1.18made in defending our freedom, and believes it is important that we acknowledge them for their
1.19courage and show them the honor and support that they have earned; and
1.20NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
1.21honors Colonel Johnson for his military service and thanks him for his extraordinary efforts on
1.22behalf of veterans.
1.23BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an
1.24enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the
2.1Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to Colonel Richard
2.2Johnson.

Tom BotternSecretary of the Senate

Erin P. MurphyChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Steve DrazkowskiState Senator, District 20