Sangamon Sun

State Rep. Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) spoke recently at a news conference about the necessity for culpability in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans' Home that claimed the lives of 36 veterans.

“Each veteran stepped up to the call to protect their fellow Americans,” Murphy said. “It's deeply troubling when we fail to protect them as they fought to protect us. We have failed too many times and we must ensure we are not here again in another year because of the administration’s failures to protect those who have stepped up to protect us, that's the least we can do.”

Murphy, who served in the U.S. Army, said that he was inspired to serve by his parents.

“I've been a member of the American Legion since my discharge and I’m a lifelong member of the VFW,” he said. “When I talk about veterans in my family, I talk about my mom and dad. They were part of the greatest generation. They met in Pearl Harbor, they both joined soon after the attack …When I think about how some of their colleagues’ lives ended the way they did, it's just tragic.

He shared how troops are taught to be selfless.

“When I think about the ideals of military service — duty, honor, placing the needs of the protection of your fellow Americans before your own, these are more than just words. It was instilled in me from a young age and I experienced it in my time in the military.”

Murphy, along with other House Republicans called for culpability on the death of the 36 residents during the COVID-19 outbreak in the LaSalle Veterans Home.