LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Marine Corporal
Nicholas K. Uzenski of Franklin, New York, and paying tribute to his
courageous actions as a member of the United States Marine Corps

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski of
Franklin, New York, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 30, 1988, in Sidney, New York, Marine Corpo-
ral Nicholas K. Uzenski is the son of William and Lisa Uzenski; and
WHEREAS, Marine Corporal Nicholas Uzenski graduated from Franklin
Central High School in 2006; a diligent student and talented athlete, he
served as Captain of the Varsity Basketball team, was a member of the
Varsity Baseball team and was an active participant in several school
clubs; adored by both his teachers and peers, he was selected as Senior
Prom King; and
WHEREAS, While in high school, Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski,
who aspired to be a Marine from a very young age, had not only a way of
walking but an extraordinary amount of self-discipline, hinting to many
that someday he would make a fine Marine; and
WHEREAS, Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski enlisted in the United
States Marine Corps on January 14, 2008, following in the footsteps of
his father and uncle who both served as members of the U.S. Marine
Corps; and
WHEREAS, After successfully completing boot camp at Parris Island,
South Carolina, Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski received further
training at the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California; he
then attended the basic reconnaissance course where he obtained the
distinguished military occupational specialty of Reconnaissance Man; and
WHEREAS, As a Recon Marine, Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski received
advanced training and was typically assigned to the daunting task of
observing and reporting on enemy activity; and
WHEREAS, In January 2009, Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski joined
Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division, III Marine Exped-
itionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan; he was promoted to his current
rank of Corporal on October 1, 2009, and was deployed to Afghanistan in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom in November 2009; and
WHEREAS, A man of great valor and courage, Marine Corporal Nicholas K.
Uzenski received numerous commendations for his valiant service includ-
ing the National Defense Service Medal, the NATO International Security
Assistance Force Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal;
additionally, his mother, Lisa Uzenski, was given his Purple Heart by a
contingent of Marines at a service held in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Often described as a young man who was always positive,
respectful, and determined, Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski was a
devoted runner and avid Yankees fan, but most importantly he had an
unwavering love for his family and valued every moment he shared with
them; and
WHEREAS, A wonderful son, a loving grandson, a devoted brother, and an
inspiring friend, Marine Corporal Nick Uzenski will be sorely missed by
all those who knew him but his legacy will long endure the passage of
time; and
WHEREAS, Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski is survived by his moth-
er, Lisa Uzenski; his father, William and stepmother, Rebakah Uzenski;
sisters, Kaitlin and Cassidy; stepsister, Faith; and his three younger
brothers, Zebadiah, Zechariah, and Jathniel; his great-grandma Brundege,
his grandparents, James and Audrey Archibald; and his grandfather, Alan

(and Heidi) Jordan, as well as a legion of loyal friends and fellow
Marines; 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
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 Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski of
Franklin, New York, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Marine Corps; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Marine Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski.