LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Dr. Tom Little of
Delmar, New York, and paying tribute to his life and charitable work on
behalf of the people of Afghanistan

WHEREAS, Americans, like Dr. Tom Little, have demonstrated a remarkable
dedication to serve those in need throughout the world often at great
sacrifice to themselves and their families; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Dr. Tom Little, 61, and nine of his
colleagues in Badakhshan, Afghanistan, on August 6, 2010, and lauds Dr.
Little and his colleagues' exemplary service to others at great personal
cost; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tom Little is survived by his wife, Libby, and their
three daughters, all of whom shared his commitment to service to those
in greatest need; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tom Little, a resident of Delmar, New York, and a doctor
of Optometry by education and training, and a humanitarian by personal
commitment, dedicated more than 30 years of his life toward the improve-
ment of eye care and general medical care for the people of Afghanistan;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tom Little exemplified the sacred oath and obligation of
medical professionals to treat those in need of medical care with
concern and compassion and through the highest standards, ethics and
ideals; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one-quarter of the current population of
Afghanistan lack access to essential medical care services, especially
in rural areas of the country; and
WHEREAS, The people of Afghanistan have suffered through more than 30
years of civil war and strife which has decimated the delivery of essen-
tial medical care to men, women and children; and
WHEREAS, We must honor the charitable work and sacrifice of Dr. Tom
Little and other health care providers moved to serve people suffering
in Afghanistan and in other countries throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, We must strive to live by their example of sacrifice to
improve the lives of those less fortunate; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Dr. Tom Little and to honor his life and his
selfless acts of charity of more than three decades, especially to the
people of Afghanistan; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Dr. Tom Little.