LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of United States Army
Specialist Matthew Swanson, and paying tribute to his courageous actions
in Afghanistan

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to express sympathy
for the loss of a courageous soldier who sacrificed his life while serv-
ing in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is deeply moved to mourn the untimely
death of United States Army Specialist Matthew Swanson, and to pay trib-
ute to his courageous actions in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Swanson, 20, was injured in Afghanistan in July of
2009; he sustained injuries during a vehicle rollover accident on July
19, 2009, in Logar Province, Afghanistan; he was later transferred to
the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and died on
Saturday, August 8, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Swanson joined the Army after graduating from Trabuco
Hills High School in Mission Viejo, California, in 2007; he was deployed
to Afghanistan in January of 2009, as a member of the 3rd Brigade
Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Divi-
sion out of Fort Drum, New York; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Swanson's awards and decorations include: the
National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global
War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service
Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge; and
WHEREAS, Upon his death, Matthew Swanson was listed as donor and has
saved the lives of at least three people; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
and
WHEREAS, United States Army Specialist Matthew Swanson is survived by
his parents, and his sister and brother; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of United States Army Specialist Matthew Swan-
son, and to pay tribute to his courageous actions in Afghanistan; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Matthew Swanson.