LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lance Corporal Marcus Lounello of the
United States Marine Corps upon the occasion of his courage and bravery
during combat operations in Afghanistan

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring 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 combat operations in
Afghanistan deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lance Corporal Marcus Lounello of the United States Marine Corps upon
the occasion of his courage and bravery during combat operations in
Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Deployed to Afghanistan on December 14, 2009, as a member of
the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina,
Lance Corporal Marcus Lounello suffered serious internal injuries in May
2010 during initial surge operations by United States Armed Forces in
and around Marjah, Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, After weeks of treatment and care, Lance Corporal Marcus
Lounello is recuperating at his parents' Olympus Court home in Albany,
New York; he is expected to make a full recovery; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Albany, New York, 20 year-old Lance Corporal Marcus
Lounello attended Christian Brothers Academy, Albany High School and the
College of Saint Rose, where he played baseball for the College; and
WHEREAS, The son of Albert and Donna Lounello, Lance Corporal Marcus
Lounello has one sibling, his sister, Jaimee; 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 bravery
and courage of the men and women who serve their country, and must
recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who serve
and risk their lives for their beloved Nation; 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, bravery and courageous
acts; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved with great respect and rever-
ent esteem to pay tribute to the heroic actions of members of the United
States Armed Forces during this time of crisis; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lance Corporal Marcus Lounello of the United States Marine Corps
upon the occasion of his courage and bravery during combat operations in
Afghanistan; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lance Corporal Marcus Lounello.