Senate Resolution No. 2209

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Lance Corporal Blaise A. Oleski
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 Lance
Corporal Blaise A. Oleski 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, Blaise A. Oleski was born in Holland Patent, New York, on
July 31, 1986, to his loving parents, Paul and Theresa Oleski; he is
also survived by his brother, Bryce, and his grandmother, Bertha Oleski
of Scranton, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, He graduated from Holland Patent High School Class of 2004;
an outstanding athlete, he was a member of his school's wrestling team;
and

WHEREAS, Blaise A. Oleski joined the United States Marine Corps on
May 16, 2006, and served in Iraq from July of 2007 to January of 2008;
after completing his tour in Iraq he was soon deployed to Afghanistan
and served with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine
Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina;
and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Blaise A. Oleski gave the ultimate sacrifice
while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan, Helmand Province, on
April 8, 2009; he died at the age of 22; and

WHEREAS, All his life, Lance Corporal Blaise A. Oleski wanted to
help others; he had plans to follow his dreams and become a firefighter
after conquering all 29 Adirondack Trails; 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,
Lance Corporal Blaise A. Oleski 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 Lance Corporal Blaise A. Oleski 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 Lance Corporal Blaise A. Oleski.