LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Lance Corporal
Aaron M. Swanson of Lakewood, New York, and paying tribute to his coura-
geous actions as a member of the United States Marine Corps

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced action in the Middle East 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, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Lance Corporal Aaron M. Swanson of
Lakewood, New York, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Aaron M. Swanson died on Monday, February 7,
2011, at the age of 21, while honorably serving his country in Helmand
Province, Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, A Memorial Flag Presentation will be held in honor of Lance
Corporal Aaron M. Swanson at Southwestern High School in Lakewood, New
York, on Wednesday, April 27, 2011; and
WHEREAS, A member of the U.S. Marine Corps, this courageous soldier
was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine
Division, India Company; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the Marines in May of 2009, Lance Corporal
Aaron M. Swanson graduated from Southwestern Central School in 2007,
where he participated in track and field and played on the football
team; he was also a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 131; and
WHEREAS, While serving in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Aaron M. Swanson
received several awards and decorations including the National Defense
Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal
and the NATO Medal International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan;
and
WHEREAS, Preceded by his grandmother; Sandra Swanson; and his grandfa-
ther James Buckley, Lance Corporal Aaron M. Swanson is survived by his
parents, Gene Swanson, Julie Abers Swanson, and Michelle Buckley Ford;
his siblings, Luke Swanson, Benjamin Swanson, Torianna Bekoscke, Kier-
sten Bekoscke, Nathan Ford and Andrew Ford; grandfathers, Stuart Swanson
and Lawrence Abers, and grandmothers Margaret Abers and Linda Warren;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which our men and women served this country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who give of their
lives for their beloved Nation; 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 Lance Corporal Aaron M. Swanson of Lakewood,
New York, and to pay tribute to his courageous actions as a member of
the United States Marine Corps; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Lance Corporal Aaron M. Swanson.