LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Alexan-
der J. Miller, 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 Enduring 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 Specialist Alexander J. Miller, and
pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States
Army; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Alexander J. Miller, an infantryman with the 1st
Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team 10th Mountain
Division, died on July 31, 2009, at the age of 21, in Nuristan Province,
Afghanistan, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-
propelled grenades and small arms fire; and
WHEREAS, The 3rd Brigade Combat Team deployed in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom in the January 2009 timeframe; Specialist Alexander J.
Miller of Clermont, Florida, joined the United States Army in January
2007; after completing training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he arrived at
Fort Drum in June 2007; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include the
Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze
Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army
Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the
Combat Infantryman's Badge; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Michael W. Miller, Specialist
Alexander J. Miller is survived by his mother, Susan I. Miller, and one
brother; 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 Specialist Alexander J. Miller, 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 Specialist Alexander J. Miller.