LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Mark A.
Stone, 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 Mark A. Stone, and pays trib-
ute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Mark A. Stone, a motor transport operator assigned
to Company F, 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team,
10th Mountain Division (LI), died on April 28, 2008, during a mortar
attack in Baghdad while conducting combat operations; 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 with Bronze Service Star, Iraq
Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional
Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO
Medal, and the Combat Action Badge; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother, Bonnie Jean Stone, Sergeant Mark
A. Stone is survived by his father, Donald Leroy Stone; and his broth-
er, Don Jason Stone; 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 Mark A. Stone, 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 Mark A. Stone.