LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan for his
valiant military service during Operation Enduring Freedom

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring 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 Enduring Free-
dom, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Corporal
Kevin P. Vaughan, United States Marine Corps, for his valiant military
service during Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, The Wenshaw Park community is proud to welcome home Corporal
Kevin P. Vaughan, a true local hero, with a celebration to be held in
his honor on Friday, March 9, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Kevin P. Vaughan, the son of Jim and Pat Vaughan, grew up in
Merrick, New York, in Wenshaw Park; he is the brother of Jimmy Jr.,
Caitlin and Thomas, who also served in the United States Marine Corps
for five years; and
WHEREAS, Kevin P. Vaughan attended Park Ave Elementary, Grand Avenue
Middle School, and graduated from Mepham High School in 2007; after high
school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve and defend his country;
and
WHEREAS, During his 2nd deployment in Afghanistan, Corporal Kevin P.
Vaughan's convoy was ambushed by a road side bomber on September 28,
2011; subsequently, he was tragically wounded; and
WHEREAS, While in rehabilitation at a military hospital in Bethesda,
Maryland, Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan received the Purple Heart and was
also visited by President Obama who presented him with a Presidential
Citation; 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
commend Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan for his valiant military service
during Operation Enduring Freedom; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan.