LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Lieutenant Colonel
Thomas P. Belkofer, 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 Thomas P. Belkofer,
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 Thomas P. Belkofer died at the age of 44 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 Thomas P. Belkofer of Ohio 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 Thomas P. Belkofer arrived at Fort Drum in
July 2009 and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-8 (Comptroller)
with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry) and had one previous deployment to Afghanistan from
January 2005 to February 2006; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer's awards and deco-
rations include the Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal (2), Purple
Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (2),
Army Achievement Medal (3), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal,
National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal,
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star (2), Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Army Joint Meritorious
Unit Award (2), Combat Action Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge,
Air Assault Badge, and the Parachutist Badge; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer is survived by his
wife, Margaret Belkofer, and his daughters, Alyssa and Ashley; 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 Thomas P. Belkofer, 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 Thomas P. Belkofer.