Honor Fallen Soldier Thompson

Senate Resolution No. 2216 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Specialist Blair D. Thompson 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 Specialist Blair D. Thompson 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, Born to Arena (Young) and Vincent Thompson in Rome, New York, Blair D. Thompson grew up in a loving family which included four brothers, Sean, Noah, Bryant, and Gavin; ever since he was a young boy, he wanted to be a soldier; and WHEREAS, After enlisting in the United States Army in 2009, Blair D. Thompson proudly served his country as a gunner with the 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, Specialist Blair D. Thompson was injured in an insurgent attack just weeks before he made the ultimate sacrifice on June 25,

2010, in an ambush with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades; and WHEREAS, This 19 year-old soldier truly loved his country, the Army and his family, and will always be remembered for his loyalty and infinite bravery; 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, Specialist Blair D. Thompson 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 Specialist Blair D. Thompson 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 Specialist Blair D. Thompson.