LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Private First
Class Michael John Harford, 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
and Operation Enduring 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 Private First Class Michael John
Harford, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the
United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Born in Manchester, New Hampshire on December 6, 1968,
Private First Class Michael John Harford was a graduate of Kokomo High
School, attended Ball State University and went on to proudly serve in
the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Michael John Harford, assigned to Company
D, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Drum,
New York, died at Fort Drum on September 2, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Michael John Harford's awards and deco-
rations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service
Medal-2, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service
Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Michael John Harford is survived by his
wife, Jennifer Harford; his daughters, Alexis H. Harford and Halle M.
Harford; his father, Michael L. Harford; his mother, Deborah S. Harford;
his sisters, Brandi Richard and Katherine Garcia; and several nieces and
nephews; 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 Michael John Harford,
and to pay tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United
States Army; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Private First Class Michael John Harford.