LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Brendan Marrocco for his valiant mili-
tary service during Operation Iraqi Freedom

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; Brendan Marrocco is
one such soldier; and
WHEREAS, Brendan Marrocco completed training on May 2, 2008, and was
assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 27th Infantry Regiment in Schofield
Barracks, Hawaii; five months later, his Unit was deployed to Iraq where
they were stationed at Forward Operating Base Summerall for a 12-month
tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
WHEREAS, On April 12, 2009, Brendan Marrocco's vehicle was struck by
an Explosive Fired Projectile (EFP), leaving him gravely injured; after
the attack, this brave soldier was transported to the United States Army
trauma hospital located in Tikrit, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Following numerous life-saving surgeries, and after being
transported to several different hospitals, Brendan Marrocco finally
arrived on American soil at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washing-
ton, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his courage and bravery as a member of the
United States Army, Brendan Marrocco was honored with the Purple Heart
Award, the highest military decoration bestowed upon an injured or
deceased veteran by the President of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Brendan Marrocco who resides in Staten Island, has a positive
outlook, a great sense of humor and a renewed appreciation for life;
subsequently, as the first quadruple amputee to survive from a war, he
serves as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers recovering from the
perils of war; 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, In eternal gratitude for our freedom and in appreciation of
Brendan Marrocco's many sacrifices as well as his tenacity and determi-
nation, the members of the Staten Island community have come together to
raise funds to help build a "smart home" in an attempt to better enhance
the quality of his life and increase his overall independence; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who risk their lives in
times of conflict; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Brendan Marrocco for his valiant military service during Opera-
tion Iraqi Freedom; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brendan Marrocco.