LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Lieutenant Colonel
Paul R. Bartz, 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 Enduring Free-
dom, 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 Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz, and
pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States
Army; and
WHEREAS, A 10th Mountain Division soldier from Fort Drum, Lieutenant
Colonel Paul R. Bartz died at the age of 43 of wounds suffered when a
suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device exploded near his
convoy in Kabul, Afghanistan on May 18, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz, of Waterloo, Wisconsin was
part of a team from the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters sent to
Afghanistan to conduct key leader training and set the conditions for
the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters' deployment to Afghanistan later
this year; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Bartz arrived at Fort Drum in June 2009
and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1 (Personnel) with the
Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light
Infantry); and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Bartz's awards and decorations include the
Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Defense
Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army
Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement
Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal
with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Mili-
tary Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas
Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Army Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army
Superior Unit Award, and the Combat Action Badge; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz is survived by his wife,
Michelle Bartz, and his son, Logan Bartz; 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 Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz, 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 Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz.