LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Rodrigo
A. Munguia Rivas, 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 Sergeant Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas, and
pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States
Army; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas, a vehicle driver with B
Company, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division, died on Sunday, June 21, 2009, from indirect fire
from enemy forces in Bagram, Afghanistan, at the age of 27; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas of Germantown, Maryland,
deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Endur-
ing Freedom in the January 2009 timeframe; he joined the active duty
Army in April 2008, and after completing training at Fort Sill, Oklaho-
ma, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico and Fort Leonard Wood,
Missouri, arrived at Fort Drum in July 2008; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include the
Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal,
and the Combat Action Badge; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas is survived by his mother,
Rosa Castillo; stepfather, Adrian W. Castillo; and his father, Felipe A.
Munguia; 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 Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas, 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 Sergeant Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas.