LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recommending that the service and sacrifice of
Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis, of Staten Island, New York, be
memorialized through the designation of a Staten Island Ferry vessel in
his name

WHEREAS, The Staten Island Ferry has been in operation since 1905,
transporting over 22 million passengers annually between the boroughs of
Manhattan and Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, The New York City Department of Transportation will replace
two existing vessels of the Staten Island Ferry fleet with new ships
that will be better equipped for rougher conditions; and
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, 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, Army Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis posthumously
received the Silver Star, 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 posthumously received the Gold Medal of the Polish Armed Forces
from the Polish government, and the Oakwood Heights Post, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, was 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 is not free; 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 recommend to the New York City
Department of Transportation that the next vessel added to the Staten
Island Ferry fleet be named in honor of Staff Sergeant Michael Harold
Ollis, 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.