LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Pfc. Douglas L.
Cordo of Kingston, 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 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 Free-
dom, 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 Pfc. Douglas L. Cordo of Kingston, New
York, on Friday, August 19, 2011, in Zabul, Afghanistan, and pays trib-
ute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Born in Kingston, New York, on July 18, 1991, Pfc. Douglas L.
Cordo attended Kingston Schools, and graduated from the Kingston High
School, Class of 2009; he played junior varsity high school football,
Kingston Little League, Babe Ruth and soccer; and
WHEREAS, This brave soldier took a great amount of pleasure in making
people laugh; he loved to drive, liked fast cars, the New York Jets and
the New York Yankees; and
WHEREAS, Pfc. Douglas L. Cordo entered the United States Army in March
of 2010; an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of The 25th Infantry Division
based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, he was contemplating a career in law
enforcement, possibly with The New York State Police upon his discharge;
and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his grandfather, Harry E. Litts, and cousin,
Charles Elmendorf, Pfc. Douglas L. Cordo is survived by his mother and
stepfather, Tracy Litts Karson and Christopher Karson; maternal grand-
mother, Sandra Litts; aunts and uncles, Jody Skinner and her husband,
John; Debbie Elmendorf, and her husband, Charles; Marilyn Bentley and
her husband, Brian; Ashey Litts; Daniel Litts; Alan Litts; and Barry
Whitaker; great uncle, Raymond Whitaker; and cousins, Daniel Bentley,
Zachary Bentley, Collin Bentley, Rebecca Elmendorf, Chloe Litts, Jayden
Litts, and Lucien Litts; as well as special friends, Dave Sember, Tyler
Feeney, Cody Bennett, John Newell, Michael Campbell, Evan Lasher and
Kayla Simon; 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
mourn the untimely death of Pfc. Douglas L. Cordo of Kingston, New York,

and to 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 Pfc. Douglas L. Cordo.