LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Waide
T. James, 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 Iraqi 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 Iraqi Freedom,
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 Specialist Waide Tyler James, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Specialist Waide T. James of Cocoa, Florida was born in
Killeen, Texas on December 4, 1988 and graduated from Titusville High
School; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Waide T. James died in LeRay, New York on December
1, 2009; he joined the United States Army in 2007; he had served in Iraq
and, at the time of his death was stationed at Fort Drum, New York,
where he worked as a motor transport operator with the Headquarters and
Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Waide T. James's awards and decorations include
the Army Commendation Medal-2, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War
on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Devel-
opment Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver and
Mechanic Badge for Wheeled Vehicles, and the Expert Weapons Qualifica-
tion Badge; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Waide T. James is survived by his wife, Crystal
James; his parents Craig James and The Reverend Kourtnie Dionne Nandi-
lal; 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 Specialist Waide T. James, and to pay trib-
ute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Specialist Waide T. James.