LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Blake
D. Whipple, of Amherst, New York, and paying tribute to his courageous
actions as a member of the United States Army

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced action in the Middle East 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 these times of conflict
deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Specialist Blake D. Whipple, of
Amherst, New York, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Blake D. Whipple, a 21-year-old combat engineer,
died on November 5, 2010, in Ghazi Province, Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Born in Detroit, Michigan, Blake Whipple came to Amherst with
his family in 1995 and lived in Baltimore, Maryland from 2000 until the
family returned to New York State in 2006; he was a 2007 graduate of
Williamsville East High School; and
WHEREAS, Blake Whipple attended St. Bonaventure University, Erie
Community College and Buffalo State College before joining the United
States Army in 2009; he was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 10th Sustain-
ment Brigade, from the 10th Mountain Division based in Fort Drum; and
WHEREAS, Blake Whipple enjoyed playing baseball, football, hockey and
video games; he also loved rock music and especially took pleasure in
having his own show on St. Bonaventure's student-run radio station; and
WHEREAS, Blake Whipple is survived by his parents, David and Kim; two
brothers, Brian and Sean; and two grandparents, Arthur and Elizabeth;
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 Specialist Blake D. Whipple, of Amherst, New
York, and pay tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the
United States Army; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Specialist Blake D. Whipple.