LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Staff Sergeant Travis G. Middaugh for
his bravery while serving in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps

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
III, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Staff Sergeant
Travis G. Middaugh for his bravery while serving in Iraq with the United
States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, Travis Middaugh enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on
May 23, 2003; he began his training at Recruit Training Depot, Parris
Island, South Carolina; while aboard the training depot, Private
Middaugh was awarded with Meritorious Promotion to the rank of Private
First Class for exceptional service, leadership ability, and knowledge
of subject matter pertaining to recruit training; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation from Parris Island, PFC Middaugh reported to
the Second Marine Divisions School of Infantry in Camp Lejune, North
Carolina; while aboard the training grounds, he was again awarded with
Meritorious Promotion this time to the rank of Lance Corporal for know-
ledge of subject matter, leadership, and receiving the John Basilone
Squad leader leadership award; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Middaugh graduated from the School of Infantry
on March 5, 2004, as the honor graduate of Delta Company, 2nd Marine
Division, School of Infantry; he reported into the 3rd Battalion 25th
Marines on March 8, 2004; upon receiving his gear, he also received
orders to deploy immediately; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Middaugh spent the next six months aboard
several US Navy ships and was in 11 different South American countries
conducting counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations until
September 2004; he deployed again in January 2005 and this time to the
Al Anbar province of Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
WHEREAS, During his first deployment to Iraq, Lance Corporal Middaugh
served as a demolitions and anti-armor identifications expert; he
participated in seven combat operations; during these operations, he
distinguished himself as a subject matter expert in his field earning
three Meritorious Masts for actions that decreased the threat to the
Iraqi people and the Marines he served with; he was also awarded with
the United States Marine Corps combat action ribbon and the Purple Heart
for receiving wounds by enemy action; and
WHEREAS, After returning home in October of 2005, Lance Corporal
Middaugh volunteered to deploy again, this time to the Horn of Africa,
with the Anti-Terrorism Battalion 2nd Marine Division; while he was
aboard Camp Lemonier, in Djibouti, Africa, Lance Corporal Middaugh
conducted anti-terrorism operations, was recognized for his skill set
and was awarded with his fourth Meritorious Mast; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Middaugh was selected by his command to attend
the Corporal leadership course; he finished the course as the honor
graduate and upon graduation, he was awarded with his third meritorious
promotion, this time to the rank of Corporal; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Middaugh redeployed to the United States in March
2007 and in October 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant;
Sergeant Middaugh redeployed to the Al Anbar twice more between the

summer of 2007 and the fall of 2009, conducting combat operations that
increased the security and stability of the region he operated in; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Sergeant Middaugh also deployed to Israel for
six months in support of Operation Noble Shirley during this time frame;
he was awarded with numerous service and campaign awards, the most
distinguished of them being the Certificate of Commendation, which was
awarded for his actions on September 4, 2009, while operating in the
city of Hit, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, On this particular date, Sergeant Middaugh volunteered and
led his platoon into an area known for insurgent activity; they also
located and defused three separate improvised explosive devices; his
platoon's actions directly affected the safety of the Marines in his
company and increased his company's efficiency in combat operations in
the area; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Middaugh redeployed to the United States in November
of 2009, and after returning home, he was selected for the rank of Staff
Sergeant; Staff Sergeant Middaugh is married to Jennifer Middaugh; they
have been married for almost 13 years and have three children, Gwendo-
lyn, Travis Jr. and Gracie; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must especially
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
honor Staff Sergeant Travis G. Middaugh for his bravery while serving in
Iraq with the United States Marine Corps; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Staff Sergeant Travis G. Middaugh.