LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Private First
Class Andrew G. Rawls, 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 Andrew G. Rawls,
and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United
States Army; and
WHEREAS, A 2nd Brigade Combat Team soldier, Private First Class Andrew
G. Rawls, of Plant City, Florida, died at Fort Drum, New York on May 2,
2009; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Andrew G. Rawls was an ammunition bearer
with the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade; he joined
the United States Army in January 2008 and after training at Fort
Benning, Georgia, had been stationed at Fort Drum since May 2008; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Andrew G. Rawls' awards and commendations
include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good
Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Andrew G. Rawls is survived by his
father, Richard Rawls, and his mother, Darlene Rawls; 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 Andrew G. Rawls, 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 Andrew G. Rawls.