LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Raul
Moncada, 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 Sergeant Raul Moncada, and pays trib-
ute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Raul Moncada, who enrolled in the United States
Marines at the age of 17, died on April 13, 2009, by a roadside bomb
when his convoy came under attack in Baghdad; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to 563rd MP Company 91st MP Battalion, 29-year-old
Sergeant Raul Moncada, of Madera, California, was on his second tour; he
served in the Marines for six years before taking one year off; he
returned to the military in June 2004, this time in the Army's military
police program; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include
Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good
Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Reserve Medal with Bronze Service device,
National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve
Medal with 'M' device, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development
Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat
Action Badge; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Raul Moncada is survived by his wife, Monica A.;
daughter, Priscilla; and his parents, Obdulia P. and Raul R. Moncada;
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 Raul Moncada, 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 Raul Moncada.