LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Private Thomas E.
Hodge II, 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 Private Thomas E. Hodge II, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Fort Drum soldier Private Thomas E. Hodge II died in Mt.
Solon, Virginia, on January 9, 2010; he joined the Army in April 2008,
arrived at Fort Drum that September, and served as a petroleum supply
specialist with the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team; and
WHEREAS, His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation
Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq
Campaign Medal with combat service star, Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Expert
Weapons Qualification Badge with Rifle device; and
WHEREAS, Private Thomas E. Hodge II is survived by his wife Crystal,
his children Dalilah and Landon, and his parents, Sharon Auville and
Thomas E. Hodge Sr.; 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 Thomas E. Hodge II, 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 Private Thomas E. Hodge II.