Governor Selects State Fair Parade Grand Marshals

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Published on August 12 2015 10:12 am
Last Updated on August 12 2015 10:12 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Governor Bruce Rauner has selected Navy Cmdr. Jessie Porter and Navy Lt. j.g. Darin Hess of the USS Illinois as grand marshals of this year's Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade.

Porter is no stranger to U.S. Navy ships. He has spent time on board the USS Texas, USS Michigan, USS Connecticut, and USS Missouri in various roles. Porter is a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College and Old Dominion University, as well as a highly-decorated Naval officer. He has earned and is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various other unit, personal and campaign awards.

Hess currently serves as the supply officer on board the USS Illinois. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he majored in Oceanography and played on the varsity football team. He held multiple positions such as the financial officer and safety officer for his company. Personal decorations include, National Defense Service Medal, Expert Marksman Pistol Medal, and Expert Marksman Rifle Medal.

The USS Illinois is a nuclear submarine currently under construction at a shipyard in Connecticut. She is the first U.S. Navy ship to bear the name "USS Illinois" since 1897. The USS Illinois Commissioning Committee, led by Governor Bruce Rauner and volunteers from around the state, have been tasked to provide support for the crew during construction, to help organize and raise money for the events surrounding its launch and commissioning, and to provide ongoing support for the ship and its crew after the 15.6 million pound boat is commissioned later this year.

"The state is committed to partnering with the USS Illinois Commissioning Committee and ship throughout its 35-year life so all crewmembers will continue to know the citizens of Illinois appreciate, recognize, and applaud the selfless sacrifices they make to keep all of us safe and out of harm's way," said Governor Rauner.

The Twilight Parade begins Thursday, August 13, at 6 p.m. at the corner of 9thStreet and North Grand Avenue in Springfield and ends inside the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Thursday is considered "Preview Night" as the parade marks the unofficial start of the fair. Admission and parking are free on Preview Night, as well as discounted carnival rides. For more information about the 2015 Illinois State Fair, please visit www.illinoisstatefair.info.