LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Diego
Valbuena, 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 Diego Valbuena, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Specialist Diego Valbuena of Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed
away on December 1, 2009, at age 23; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Diego Valbuena joined the Army in 2007; he worked
as a motor transport operator with the Headquarters and Headquarters
Battalion, 10th Mountain Division and had served in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, His 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, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Expert
Weapons Qualification Badge; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Diego Valbuena is survived by his wife, Catherine
Lefort Valbuena; his mother, Guertty Martinez; and his father, Fernando
Valbuena; 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 Diego Valbuena, 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 Diego Valbuena.