LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Robert
M. Rieckhoff, 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,
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 Specialist Robert M. Rieckhoff, 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, Specialist
Robert M. Rieckhoff died in Baghdad, Iraq at the age of 26 of wounds
suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with rocket-propelled
grenade fire on March 18, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Robert M. Rieckhoff of Kenosha, Wisconsin served
as a cannon crewmember with the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery
Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infan-
try); and
WHEREAS, Specialist Robert M. Rieckhoff joined the Army in August
2007; he arrived at Fort Drum in November 2008 and deployed to Iraq in
October 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Robert M. Rieckhoff's awards and decorations
include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze
Star (2), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with (M) Device,
Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Drivers Badge (T), and the Combat
Action Badge; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Robert M. Rieckhoff is survived by his daughter
Katrina Rieckhoff; his son Tyler Rieckhoff; his father, Scott Rieckhoff;
his mother, Barbara Garwood; and his grandmother, Judith Nelson; 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 Specialist Robert M. Rieckhoff, 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 Specialist Robert M. Rieckhoff.