LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending United States Army Sergeant James T.
Hackemer of Gowanda, New York, for his courageous actions during Opera-
tion Enduring Freedom

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 Operation Enduring Freedom
deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend United
States Army Sergeant James T. Hackemer of Gowanda, New York, for his
courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom, to be celebrated
with a welcome home party on Sunday, April 3, 2011, at the Gowanda Amer-
ican Legion Post No. 409, in Gowanda, New York; and
WHEREAS, A Purple Heart and Bronze Star Award recipient, Sergeant
James T. Hackemer is coming home to New York from cognitive rehabili-
tation in both Richmond, Virginia, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center;
and
WHEREAS, A 2000 graduate of Gowanda High School, Sergeant James Hack-
emer enlisted in the United States Army before graduation; he served two
tours of duty in Iraq and also served in Kosovo; he served as a member
of the 230th Military Police Company; and
WHEREAS, In March of 2008, Sergeant James Hackemer was wounded while
on patrol towards Baghdad, along with two other soldiers, when a road
side bomb detonated beside his armored vehicle; and
WHEREAS, Despite having the loss of his legs, suffering severe trauma,
and going through rehabilitation for the past three years, Sergeant
James Hackemer's true and strong resilience shows he has much to live
for; and
WHEREAS, With Sergeant James T. Hackemer throughout have been his
daughters, Kaelynn and Addison, as well as his parents, Nancy and John
Hackemer, along with his siblings, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; 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 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 continue to be missing
in action; 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
commend United States Army Sergeant James T. Hackemer of Gowanda, New
York, for his courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom; and
he it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sergeant James T. Hackemer.