LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Private First
Class Peter K. Cross, 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 Private First Class Peter K. Cross,
and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United
States Army; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Peter K. Cross, a 20-year-old 10th Moun-
tain Division Soldier from Fort Drum died at Combat Outpost Carwile in
Afghanistan on June 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Peter K. Cross, an infantryman, of Sagi-
naw, Texas, served in 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry); he joined the
active-duty Army in August 2008, came to Fort Drum in January 2009 and,
later that month, deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Peter K. Cross' awards and decorations
include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror-
ism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, and the NATO
Medal; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Peter K. Cross is survived by his father,
Michael J. Cross, and his mother, Kerry A. Kahler; 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 First Class Peter K. Cross, 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 Private First Class Peter K. Cross.