Senate Resolution No. 2211

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Captain George A. Wood 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 Captain
George A.Wood 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, George A. Wood was born in 1970 and raised in Marcy, New
York, to his loving parents Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wood; at the young age of
six, his father passed away; his mother later married Mike Babula who
became a wonderful, loving father to George and his younger brother
Brian as well as his own children, Michael and Matthew; and

WHEREAS, He attended Notre Dame Junior Senior High School where he
excelled in Track and Field as well as Football; fascinated with
military History, and equipped with a brilliant mind, George A. Wood
furthered his education by receiving his bachelor's degree from Cornell
University, and master degrees from both the University of Albany and
Cortland State University; and

WHEREAS, Captain George A. Wood proudly served as a member of
Company B, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry
Division of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Captain George A. Wood gave the ultimate sacrifice while on
patrol in Baqubah, Iraq, on November 20, 2003; he died at the age of 33;
and

WHEREAS, All his life, Captain George A. Wood had hoped to someday
teach at the United States Military Academy; in addition to his long
list of accomplishments, he spoke several languages and successfully
authored a book in German; and

WHEREAS, Captain George A. Wood is proudly survived by the love of
his life Lisa, and their beautiful daughter, Maria Wood, both of whom
will miss him dearly; and

WHEREAS, With all of his accomplishments in his young life, Captain
George A. Wood wanted to serve his country, he touched many lives along
the way and leaves behind quite the honorable legacy; 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,
Captain George A. Wood 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 Captain George A. Wood 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 Captain George A. Wood.