LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Austin
J. Sampson of Bliss, New York, and paying tribute to his distinguished
service 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 Specialist Austin J. Sampson of Bliss,
New York, and pays tribute to his distinguished service as a member of
the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Born on September 12, 1987, in Fort Worth, Texas, 25 year-old
Specialist Austin J. Sampson died on January 4, 2013, in Temple, Texas;
and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Letchworth Central School in 2006, Specialist
Austin J. Sampson was on the school's football, swimming and track
teams; and
WHEREAS, Austin J. Sampson enlisted in the United States Army in 2006,
and completed both his basic training and advanced training at Fort
Knox, Kentucky; he had been stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, since 2010;
he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007-2009, and Operation New
Dawn from 2010-2011; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Good
Conduct Medals and the National Defense Service Medal, Specialist Austin
J. Sampson was also awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal with three campaign
stars, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Army Service and Over-
seas Service ribbons; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Austin J. Sampson was a member of the Letchworth
New Life Fellowship in Silver Springs, New York; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Austin J. Sampson is survived by his parents,
Wesley and Pamela Sampson; his siblings, SSG Stephen Sampson, Sheryl
Sampson, David (Bianca) Sampson, J. Marshall Carter, Krystal Carter, CPL
Robert (Faira) Sampson, Zachary Foreman, Joseph Carter, and Bennett
Carter; his two grandmothers, Pauline Sampson and Carolyn Shelnut; and
13 nieces and nephews, Meghan, Rachel, Nicholas, Jada, Damian, Addrian-
na, Andrew, Jonathan, Isabella, Jalissya, Audrey, Derek and Cameron; as
well as many aunts, uncles and cousins; 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 Austin J. Sampson of Bliss, New
York, and pay tribute to his distinguished service 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 Austin J. Sampson.