LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Chief Warrant
Officer 2nd Class Benjamin H. Todd, 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 Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Benja-
min H. Todd, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of
the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Benjamin H. Todd was one of
four pilots assigned to 10th Mountain Division (LI) who died on January
26, 2009, in a crash involving two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, the
result of enemy action, in northern Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Benjamin H. Todd, who served
with 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade,
joined the United States Armed Forces in October of 2000; he completed
Warrant Officer training in 2005 and came to Fort Drum to fly the Kiowa
Warrior in November of 2007; he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom in October of 2009; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include the
Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze
Star Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon,
Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, Basic Army Aviator
Badge, Parachutist Badge, posthumously, the Bronze Star Medal, Purple
Heart, Air Medal, and Combat Action Badge; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Benjamin H. Todd is survived
by his wife, Shelly L., daughter, Ashlyn J., and parents, Alan B. Wiley
and Martha J. Todd; 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 Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Benjamin H.
Todd, 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 Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Benjamin H.
Todd.