Honor Captain George A. Wood

Senate Resolution No. 2211 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Captain George A. Wood posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Captain George A.Wood posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, George A. Wood was born in 1970 and raised in Marcy, New York, to his loving parents Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wood; at the young age of six, his father passed away; his mother later married Mike Babula who became a wonderful, loving father to George and his younger brother Brian as well as his own children, Michael and Matthew; and WHEREAS, He attended Notre Dame Junior Senior High School where he excelled in Track and Field as well as Football; fascinated with military History, and equipped with a brilliant mind, George A. Wood furthered his education by receiving his bachelor's degree from Cornell University, and master degrees from both the University of Albany and Cortland State University; and WHEREAS, Captain George A. Wood proudly served as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division of the United States Army; and WHEREAS, Captain George A. Wood gave the ultimate sacrifice while on patrol in Baqubah, Iraq, on November 20, 2003; he died at the age of 33; and WHEREAS, All his life, Captain George A. Wood had hoped to someday teach at the United States Military Academy; in addition to his long list of accomplishments, he spoke several languages and successfully authored a book in German; and WHEREAS, Captain George A. Wood is proudly survived by the love of his life Lisa, and their beautiful daughter, Maria Wood, both of whom will miss him dearly; and WHEREAS, With all of his accomplishments in his young life, Captain George A. Wood wanted to serve his country, he touched many lives along the way and leaves behind quite the honorable legacy; 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, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Captain George A. Wood demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Captain George A. Wood posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Captain George A. Wood.