LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, New
York Army National Guard upon the occasion of their homecoming from the
Middle East

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, New York Army National Guard upon the
occasion of their homecoming from the Middle East; and
WHEREAS, The 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry deployed to Iraq in Febru-
ary of 2003 and was assigned to the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division
"The Big Red One"; the various subordinate infantry companies were given
separate assignments and became task-organized with other Big Red One
Units to perform a variety of missions; and
WHEREAS, These special assignments included area security, patrols,
raids and offensive operations; in addition, Task Force Hunter troops
captured numerous weapon caches, helped train new Iraqi National Guard
members, provided medical, logistical and civil support to Iraqi
villages, schools, mosques and families, recovered kidnapped Mississippi
truck driver Thomas Hamill, and helped recapture Samarra from insurgent
forces during joint US and Iraqi operations; and
WHEREAS, Federally activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom on October 1,
2003, the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry is the first New York National
Guard infantry organization ordered to federal active duty for wartime
service since World War II; it also is one of three infantry battalions
assigned to the 27th Separate Infantry Brigade (Enhanced) of the New
York National Guard; and
WHEREAS, In early 2008, Captain Joseph A. Merrill and the members of D
Company, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment were deployed to Afghan-
istan; and
WHEREAS, The 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, New York Army National
Guard has been an integral part of this crucial patriotic effort; three
of its members gave the ultimate sacrifice for this great Nation, and
nearly 30 soldiers of the battalion have been awarded the Purple Heart
Medal for combat wounds; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the 2nd
Battalion, 108th Infantry, New York Army National Guard for their
valiant military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and wish these
soldiers good health and well-being as they resume their civilian
endeavors and remain on guard in protection of our liberties here and
elsewhere; 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 the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, New York Army National Guard
upon the occasion of their homecoming from the Middle East; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the members of the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, New York
Army National Guard.