LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Major John P.
Pryor, MD, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member of
the United States Army

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Major John P. Pryor, MD, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Major John P. Pryor, MD, 42, of Moorestown, New Jersey, gave
the ultimate sacrifice on December 25, 2008, in Mosul, Iraq, where he
was a member of the United States Army Surgical Unit; a native of Mount
Vernon, New York, and formerly of Clifton Park, Dr. Pryor was an assist-
ant professor of surgery and director of the trauma department at the
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; and
WHEREAS, A married father of three children, Dr. John Pryor arrived in
Iraq on December 6, 2008, to serve his second tour of duty with the
United States Army reserves as a combat medic; he received his medical
school training at the State University of New York at Buffalo and
arrived in 1999 at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received
training in trauma surgery and critical care and became director of the
University of Pennsylvania's trauma program; and
WHEREAS, A 1984 graduate of Shenendehowa High School, Dr. John Pryor
was described by his colleagues, friends and relatives as a doting
father and devoted husband; every one of his patients got the best care
and his full commitment; and
WHEREAS, Saving many lives during his two tours of duty, Dr. John
Pryor served in the 1st Medical Detachment, Forward Surgical Team, an
elite triage unit that operates on the front lines; he was known as a
caring person who always wanted to serve others and wanted to fulfill
whatever role that was expected of him; and
WHEREAS, Dr. John Pryor was a longtime member of Boy Scout Troop 30
and began caring for the sick and injured at an early age; earning his
CPR certification at 14 years of age, he joined the Clifton Park-Half-
moon Ambulance Corps at age 17; he later earned his MD from SUNY Buffalo
and then became the head of the trauma program at the University of
Pennsylvania; 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, Major John P. Pryor, MD, is survived by his wife, Carmela,
his children, Danielle, Francis and John, his parents, Richard and
Victoria and his brother Richard; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country; 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 appreciation 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 Major John P. Pryor, MD, and 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 Major John P. Pryor, MD.