LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the dedication of the Operation Red
Wings Memorial in memory of its service members upon the occasion of its
10th Anniversary on June 28, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate events
of significance as well as to honor members of the Armed Services from
the State of New York, who have courageously sacrificed their lives in
order to preserve the principles of freedom and democracy for all the
citizens of this great Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the dedication of the Operation Red Wings Memorial in memory of
its service members upon the occasion of its 10th Anniversary to be
observed on Sunday, June 28, 2015, at Long Island MacArthur Airport
Veterans' Plaza in Ronkonkoma, New York; and
WHEREAS, On June 28, 2005, a four-man Navy SEAL Team comprised of
Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Sonar Technician Matthew G. Axelson,
Gunner's Mate Danny P. Dietz and Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell were
conducting a reconnaissance mission in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan
when their position was discovered by Taliban militants; and
WHEREAS, A fierce gun battle ensued lasting for two hours; even though
all four Navy SEALs were badly wounded in the attack, they continued to
fight; and
WHEREAS, Realizing his team was outnumbered and in grave danger, Lieu-
tenant Michael Murphy willingly exposed himself to intense enemy gunfire
in an effort to transmit a call for support to Bagram Air Force Base;
and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Michael Murphy's radio distress call was success-
ful and in his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy
until he was mortally wounded as a result of his actions on behalf of
his team; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Lieutenant Michael Murphy's undaunted cour-
age and selfless actions, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional
Medal of Honor; and
WHEREAS, SEAL team members Danny Dietz and Matt Axelson continued to
fight the Taliban militants, but also died fighting the enemy; and
WHEREAS, Marcus Luttrell was the only survivor of the four man team of
Navy SEALS, all of whom exemplified the virtues of the SEAL ethos and
Navy core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment; and
WHEREAS, An MH-47 Chinook helicopter, carrying eight Navy SEALs and
eight Army Night Stalkers, was sent to help the team; however, it was
struck by enemy fire, causing it to crash, and leaving no survivors;
those killed in the crash were Staff Sergeant Shamus O. Goare, Chief
Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, Sergeant Kip A. Jacoby, Sergeant
1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, Master Sergeant James W. Ponder III, Major
Stephen C. Reich, Sergeant 1st Class Michael L. Russell, and Chief
Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach; and
WHEREAS, Fellow SEAL members who died fighting the enemy in Operation
Red Wings on that day were Lieutenant Commander Erik S. Kristensen,
Chief Petty Officer Jacques J. Fontan, Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel
R. Healy, Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffery A. Lucas, Lieutenant Michael
M. McGreevy, Jr., Petty Officer 2nd Class James E. Suh, Petty Officer
1st Class Jeffrey S. Taylor, and Petty Officer Second Class Eric Shane
Patton; and
WHEREAS, The Naval Special Warfare community will forever remember the
heroic efforts and sacrifices of its brave service members who died in
service to their country on June 28, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men demonstrated their love for their country and merit forever-
more, the highest respect of the people of this State and our Nation;
and
WHEREAS, A new division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, The LT
Michael Murphy Division, was established on Long Island in August of
2012; the Naval Sea Cadets Corps is a non-profit youth program for Amer-
icans age 11 through high school which instills leadership skills and
the values of teamwork, camaraderie and service; 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, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military and their families in
times of conflict; it is fitting and proper that we who are the benefi-
ciaries of those who risk their lives, leaving their families behind,
express our appreciation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and
courageous acts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the dedication of the Operation Red Wings Memorial in memory
of its service members upon the occasion of its 10th Anniversary; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the families of the service members who participated in Oper-
ation Red Wings.