LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sergeant Major David Oliver upon the
occasion of receiving the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service
during Operation Enduring Freedom

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 Freedom
deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sergeant
Major David Oliver upon the occasion of receiving the Bronze Star Medal
for his meritorious service during Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Henrietta, New York, Sergeant Major David Oliv-
er has served in the military for 24 years; he joined the United States
Army after graduating from Penfield High School in 1985 and served four
years and is now a member of the National Guard; and
WHEREAS, In September 2007, Sergeant Major David Oliver and a number
of troops of the A2-108th Infantry, based out of the Geneseo Armory,
left for a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom, his second tour of duty to the country; and
WHEREAS, While in Afghanistan, Sergeant Major David Oliver served as a
liaison to the more than 80,000 members of the Afghan National Police,
traveling the country, and working to help train and oversee the police
force so they could provide security for the population; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Sergeant Major David Oliver was given the job of
escorting and guarding several VIP guests when they visited Afghanistan,
including Rep. John Murtha and the ambassador to the European Union; and
WHEREAS, With Sergeant Major David Oliver throughout have been his
parents, John and Linda Oliver, both of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; 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
commend Sergeant Major David Oliver upon the occasion of receiving the
Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service during Operation Enduring
Freedom and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeav-
ors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sergeant Major David Oliver.