LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Jason
M. Johnston of Albion, New York, 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 Iraqi 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 Iraqi 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 Specialist Jason M. Johnston of
Albion, New York, in Orleans County, and pays tribute to his courageous
actions as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Army Specialist Jason M. Johnston was killed in action in
southern Afghanistan on December 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Johnston, who was 24 years-old, was serving with
2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat
Team, 82nd Airborne Division, when he fell victim to an improvised
explosive device; and
WHEREAS, The heroism of a soldier like Specialist Johnston is beyond
measure, and his death bespeaks of his ultimate and steadfast commitment
to serving the people of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Johnston had previously served a 13-month tour of
duty in Afghanistan, and his second deployment to that country began in
October 2009; he is the first war casualty from Orleans County since the
Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, The remains of Specialist Johnston were flown from Dover to
Rochester, and on Sunday, January 3, 2010, a motorcade brought him back
to Albion; hundreds upon hundreds of people lined the route, withstand-
ing freezing and snowy conditions to salute him as he passed; and
WHEREAS, A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Specialist
Jason M. Johnston on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at St. Joseph's Church in
Albion; he will be buried with full military honors in Mount Albion
Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, Jason Johnston has been posthumously named an honorary member
of the Albion Fire Department; he was actively involved with the depart-
ment's Explorer Post when he was a teenager; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Jason M. Johnston is survived by his parents, Brad
and Jenny Johnston, and three sisters, Carrie, Holly, and Heather; the
Albion Elks Lodge will present Jason's family with the Medal of Valor on
January 8, 2010; 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 Specialist Jason M. Johnston of Albion, New
York, and pay tribute 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 Specialist Jason M. Johnston.