LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Chief Warrant
Officer, Second Class, Alexander D. Gilchrist, 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
and Operation Enduring 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 Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class,
Alexander D. Gilchrist, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class, Alexander D. Gilchrist,
assigned to A Company 6th Aviation Battalion at Fort Drum, died in
Florida on July 20, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class, Alexander D. Gilchrist's
awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army
Achievement Medal-4, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service
Medal with Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star,
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expedi-
tionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Aviator
Badge, and the Parachutist Badge; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class, Alexander D. Gilchrist
is survived by his wife, Kerri D. Gilchrist; his father, Donald
Gilchrist; his mother, Jane Gilchrist; and his grandmother, Ruth A.
Schneider; 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 Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class, Alexan-
der D. Gilchrist, and to pay tribute 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 Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class, Alexander
D. Gilchrist.