LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Staff Sergeant
Esau I. De La Pena-Hernandez, 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 Staff Sergeant Esau I. De La Pena-Her-
nandez, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the
United States Army; and
WHEREAS, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Soldier,
Staff Sergeant Esau I. De La Pena-Hernandez was killed by enemy action
while on dismounted patrol in Chak, Afghanistan on Friday, May 15, 2009,
at the age of 25; and
WHEREAS, A member of the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, he
deployed in early 2009 with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain
Division in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Esau I. De La Pena-Hernandez, of La Puente,
California, was a squad leader with the 2-87th, 3rd BCT; he joined the
active duty Marine Corps in December 2001, signed up for active duty
Army service in April 2006, and came to Fort Drum shortly thereafter;
and
WHEREAS, He was a graduate of the Warrior Leader Course, the Anti-Ar-
mor Leader Course, and the Combat Life Savers course among others; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Esau I. De La Pena-Hernandez deployed to the
Republic of the Philippines from August 2002 to October 2002; to Kuwait
from September 2004 to November 2004; to Iraq in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom from December 2004 to March 2005; and to Afghanistan in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom from September 2006 to May 2007;
and
WHEREAS, His awards include: the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army
Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army
Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Army Good Conduct
Medal, Marine Corps 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 Expeditionary Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Noncommis-
soned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon,
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantry-
man Badge; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Esau I. De La Pena-Hernandez is survived by
his wife, Joyce, his mother, Leticia, and his father, Mario; 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 Staff Sergeant Esau I. De La Pena-Hernandez,
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 Staff Sergeant Esau I. De La Pena-Hernandez.