LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Byron
W. Fouty, 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 Byron W. Fouty, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Specialist Byron W. Fouty, 20-years-old, was classified as
Whereabouts Unknown on May 12, 2010, after his vehicle was attacked by
insurgent forces near al Taqa, Iraq; his remains were recovered on July
8, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Byron W. Fouty was a member of D Company, 4th
Battalion, 31st Infantry, 2 BCT out of Fort Drum, New York; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include:
Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas
Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, and Marksmanship Qualification
Badge - Expert; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Byron W. Fouty is survived by his mother, Hilary
N. Meunier, his father, Mickey W. Fouty, and his stepfather, Gordon K.
Dibler; 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 Byron W. Fouty, and to pay trib-
ute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Specialist Byron W. Fouty.