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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor honors the life and
11 contributions of William E. Christoffersen.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 ▸ recognizes the life of William E. Christoffersen;
15 ▸ honors William E. Christoffersen as a dedicated advocate for veterans both in Utah
16 and the nation; and
17 ▸ commemorates William E. Christoffersen's lifelong service to the American Legion
18 on both the national and local levels.
19 Special Clauses:
20 None
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22 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
23 WHEREAS, William E. Christoffersen was born June 6, 1926, and grew up in Cache
24 County, Utah;
25 WHEREAS, in 1944, Christoffersen joined the United States Army and served in the
26 Philippines as an infantryman during World War II;
27 WHEREAS, during his military service, Christoffersen was awarded and presented
28 with the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct
29 Medal, and the Philippine Independence Ribbon;
30 WHEREAS, upon receipt of an honorable discharge from military service in 1946,
31 Christoffersen returned home, founded, and successfully managed a construction company in
32 Logan, Utah;
33 WHEREAS, in 1945, Christoffersen joined the American Legion, one of the nation's
34 largest veterans service organizations;
35 WHEREAS, in 1957, Christoffersen was elected Utah Department Vice Commander of
36 the American Legion, and in 1959, Utah Department Commander;
37 WHEREAS, in 1963, his leadership and advocacy on behalf of veterans won him
38 election to the highest state post representing Utah on the American Legion's National
39 Executive Committee where he served until 1973, and again from 1975 to 2013;
40 WHEREAS, he remained an active member of the American Legion for 75 years;
41 WHEREAS, Christoffersen was a lifelong advocate for veterans, both in Utah and the
42 nation;
43 WHEREAS, Christoffersen fought and lobbied in Washington, D.C. for veterans by
44 meeting with members of Congress, armed forces leadership, and several United States
45 presidents;
46 WHEREAS, Christoffersen brought three national conventions of the American Legion
47 and distinguished visitors to Utah, including President George W. Bush in 2006;
48 WHEREAS, Christoffersen was instrumental in establishing the federal Transition
49 Assistance Program, which provides information, tools, and training to service members and
50 their families, to help prepare veterans for reintegration into civilian life;
51 WHEREAS, much of the legislation Christoffersen worked on continues to serve as the
52 basis of policies for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs today;
53 WHEREAS, as a member of the American Legion's National Executive Committee,
54 Christoffersen made it a goal to see that a veterans home was built in Utah to ensure veterans'
55 long-term care;
56 WHEREAS, Christoffersen's construction background proved helpful in the realization
57 of this goal;
58 WHEREAS, in 1998, after 35 years, the Salt Lake Veterans Home opened;
59 WHEREAS, in 2013, the Salt Lake Veterans Home was renamed the William E.
60 Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home in his honor;
61 WHEREAS, due to complications while battling COVID-19, he passed away on May
62 31, 2020, in the veterans home that bears his name; and
63 WHEREAS, distinguishing himself through lifelong service and commitment to the
64 welfare of veterans, Christoffersen exemplified the values of duty and honor to his country;
65 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
66 Governor concurring therein, honors the memory and contributions of William E.
67 Christoffersen and his legacy as a stalwart advocate for veterans.
68 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Elaine
69 Christoffersen, his wife of 47 years.