LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Gregory
Owens Jr. and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member of
the United States Army

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring Freedom will
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Enduring Freedom
deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Sergeant Gregory Owens Jr. and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Born into a military family, Sergeant Gregory Owens Jr. was
born in Germany but attended Hillcrest High School in Dallas, where he
graduated with honors in 2002 and was a drum major and Eagle Scout with
Troop 709; following in his father's footsteps, he joined the United
States Army in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to Fort Drum in June 2007, Sergeant Gregory Owens
Jr. deployed to Afghanistan as a field artillery automated tactical
data systems specialist with the 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery
(Strike) Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division
in January; and
WHEREAS, Known for putting others before himself, Sergeant Gregory
Owens Jr. was the recipient of the Army Achievement Medal, the National
Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign
star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Army
Service Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Gregory Owens Jr. is survived by his parents, Grego-
ry and LaDonna; sister, Shelena; and two brothers, Lamar and Jonathan;
and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; 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;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Sergeant Gregory Owens Jr. and to pay trib-
ute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Sergeant Gregory Owens Jr.