Senate Resolution No. 2206

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Sergeant Elisha R. Parker posthumously
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sergeant
Elisha R. Parker posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Elisha R. Parker, affectionately known as Eli, was a
resident of Taberg, New York, and the devoted son of Renny and Donna
(Storms) Parker of Camden, New York; and

WHEREAS, He graduated from Camden Central High School in 2002, and
enlisted in the Marine Corp.; Eli loved the Marine Corp. and excelled in
all he did; while in school, he demonstrated his athletic ability being
active in cross country and track, Pop Warner Football, boxing, soccer,
and Nordic skiing, as well as Little League baseball; and

WHEREAS, A faithful Christian, Elisha R. Parker touched a lot of
young people's hearts as a member of the Church's Youth Ministry; he
approached life with humor and fierce loyalty, and only wanted to help
others; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Elisha R. Parker served his country as a member of
the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California; and

WHEREAS, While serving as a Combat Engineer on his third tour of
duty in Iraq, 21 year-old Sergeant Eli R. Parker gave the ultimate
sacrifice on May 4, 2006, after being mortally wounded while conducting
combat operations against enemy forces in Anbar Province, Iraq; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his parents, Sergeant Elisha R. Parker is
survived by his sister, Brianna; two brothers, Isaiah and Andrew; and
his maternal grandparents, Richard and Virginia Storms; as well as many
extended family members and friends; 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, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Sergeant Elisha R. Parker demonstrated his love for his country and
merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sergeant Elisha R. Parker posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sergeant Elisha R. Parker.