LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Staff Sergeant
Michael Harold Ollis, of New Dorp, New York, 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 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, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis of
New Dorp, New York, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Staff Sergeant Michael
Harold Ollis, age 24, died on August 28, 2013, in eastern Afghanistan,
during Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in New Dorp, New York, Staff Sergeant Michael
Harold Ollis graduated from Petrides High School where he played soccer
and was a member of the color guard; he joined the United States Air
Force Junior ROTC in his freshman year at Petrides and participated
through his senior year; and
WHEREAS, Army Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis will receive the
Silver Star posthumously, the military's third highest decoration, for
his valor and bravery while saving the life of a Polish officer; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the Silver Star, Staff Sergeant Michael Harold
Ollis will receive the Gold Medal of the Polish Armed Forces from the
Polish government, and the Oakwood Heights Post, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, will be renamed in his honor; and
WHEREAS, A great American and a hero in the truest sense of the word,
Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis displayed the ultimate act of
heroism; his leadership, selflessness and bravery will forever serve as
a reminder that freedom isn't free; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis is survived by his
parents, Bob and Linda Ollis; two sisters, Kimberly (Billy) and Kelly
(Dave); and five nieces and nephews, William, Joseph, Thomas, Ava, and
Matthew; 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 Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis, of New

Dorp, New York, and paying tribute 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 Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis.