LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Brian E.
Johnson, 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 Sergeant Brian E. Johnson, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Brian E. Johnson, an infantryman assigned to C
Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,
10th Mountain Division, died at Fort Drum, New York on January 20, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, Born in Hanford, California, Sergeant Brian E. Johnson first
reported to Fort Drum in August 2003 and was a veteran of two deploy-
ments, one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Brian E. Johnson's awards and decorations include
the Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commenda-
tion Medal for Combat Service, Army Achievement Medal-2, Army Good
Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with
Arrowhead, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Presi-
dential Unit Citation Award and the Valorous Unit Award; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Brian E. Johnson was predeceased by his father,
Gordon E. Johnson, and is survived by his wife, Nicole L. Johnson, and
his mother, Rebecca Ryan; 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 Brian E. Johnson, and to pay trib-
ute 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 Sergeant Brian E. Johnson.