2009-J4391
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Private First
Class Jason Kropat of White Lake, 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 Enduring Free-
dom, 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 Private First Class Jason Kropat of
White Lake, New York, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, An all-American Boy Scout, 25-year-old Pfc. Jason Kropat grew
up in Smallwood, New York, and attended Monticello High School; and
WHEREAS, Pfc. Jason Kropat of the 101st Airborne Division died when
his unit came under small-arms fire in Khost province, Afghanistan, on
Tuesday, March 9, 2010; and
WHEREAS, This brave soldier joined the United States Army in October
of 2008, and was deployed to Afghanistan on January 3, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Pfc. Jason Kropat's awards and decorations include the Army
Commendation and Good Conduct medals, as well as the National Defense
Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, Pfc. Jason Kropat is survived by his mother, Kathleen Kropat;
his father, Glenn Kropat; and his three sisters, Kristina, Kimberly and
Courtney, all of whom were extremely proud of his military accomplish-
ments; 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 Private First Class Jason Kropat of White
Lake, New York, and to 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 Private First Class Jason Kropat.