Senate Resolution No. 2213

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Petty Officer 1st Class Alec F. Mazur
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 Petty
Officer 1st Class Alec F. Mazur 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, Alec F. Mazur grew up in Vernon, New York, and was the
loving son of John and Linda Emeterio Mazur, and the devoted brother of
one sibling, Joshua; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, Alec F. Mazur married the former Dawn Larkin, in
Virginia Beach, Virginia, and together they were the proud parents of
two children, a daughter, Bree and a son, Dylan; and

WHEREAS, United States Navy Petty Officer Alec F. Mazur served his
country during Operation Enduring Freedom as a member of the Underwater
Construction Team One, under operational control of Commander, U.S.
Naval Forces Central Command; and

WHEREAS, This brave officer gave the ultimate sacrifice on March 9,
2005, in a non-combat-related automobile accident in Mombassa, Kenya; he
died at the age of 35, and is buried in Kirkland Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Petty Officer Alex F. Mazur was
recognized as the Sailor of the Year in both 2003 and 2004; he truly
loved the Navy and all of his Seabees; 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,
Petty Officer Alex F. Mazur 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 Petty Officer Alex F. Mazur 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 Petty Officer Alex F. Mazur.