LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Carlie M.
Lee III, 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 Carlie M. Lee III, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Carlie M. Lee III, a 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th
Mountain Division soldier, died on Friday, May 15, 2009, at the age of
23 by enemy action while on dismounted patrol in Chak, Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Carlie M. Lee III of Birmingham, Alabama, was a
member of the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment; he deployed in
early 2009 with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and was a team leader with the
2-87th, 3rd BCT; and
WHEREAS, He joined the Army in March 2006 and after completing train-
ing at Fort Benning, he arrived in Fort Drum in August 2006; a graduate
of the Combat Life Savers Course, Sergeant Carlie M. Lee III had previ-
ously deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
from October 2006 to May 2007; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include the
Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with
two Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Over-
seas Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, the Driver Mechanic
Badge for Wheeled Vehicle, and the Combat Infantryman Badge; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Carlie M. Lee III is survived by his mother, Norma
J. Lee; and his father, Carlie M. Lee; 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 Carlie M. Lee III, 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 Sergeant Carlie M. Lee III.