LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Staff Sergeant
Louis Bonacasa of Long Island, New York, and paying tribute to his
courageous actions as a member of the New York Air National Guard

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to memorialize and
honor the courage and bravery of members of the United States Armed
Forces who have lost their lives while carrying out missions to 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, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa of Long
Island, New York, and pay tribute to his courageous actions as a member
of the New York Air National Guard; and
WHEREAS, A 14-year Veteran of the United States Air Force, Staff
Sergeant Louis Bonacasa died on Monday, December 21, 2015, at the age of
31, while honorably serving his country in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, While on his last and final deployment to Afghanistan, Staff
Sergeant Louis Bonacasa distinguished himself by displaying great
heroism as the Tactical Security Element Truck Commander; while conduct-
ing outside the wire human intelligence operations, a suicide bomber
rode his explosive laden motorcycle through Louis' team; recognizing the
imminent danger and with selfless disregard for his own personal safety,
he and Technical Sergeant Joe "Superman" Lemm placed themselves between
their fellow team members and the terrorist's motorcycle; and
WHEREAS, As the men maneuvered into fighting position, the suicide
bomber cowardly detonated his deadly explosive; Staff Sergeant Louis
Bonacasa and his fellow officer's incredibly heroic positioning resulted
in their selfless exposure to the brunt of the deadly blast which safe-
guarded two of their fellow team members and ensured the survival of a
fellow defender; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 7, 1984, in East Patchogue, New York, Louis
Bonacasa was a compassionate child who was happily raised in a close-
knit family; and
WHEREAS, Two days after graduating from Newfield High School in 2002,
Louis Bonacasa, at the young age of 17, enlisted in the Air Force and
entered active duty; this valiant young man was greatly influenced by
the tragic events of 9/11 and joined the military to support and defend
his beloved country; and
WHEREAS, Louis Bonacasa, affectionately known as Bones, was stationed
at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, for four years where he met his wife,
Deborah, who is also a Veteran; the couple were married in 2004, and six
years later they had their first child, Lilianna; and
WHEREAS, Louis Bonacasa excelled at his job as an Emergency Actions
Controller and was quickly promoted to Senior Airman Below the Zone for
performing duties above expectations amongst his peers, and Airman of
the Quarter by a panel of high-ranking officials; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, Louis Bonacasa re-enlisted as a Security Forces
member in the New York Air National Guard with the 106th Rescue Wing;
shortly thereafter, he learned of the unique and challenging mission of
the 105th Base Defense Squadron and wanted to be part of a team of
passionate Defenders who embraced the concept of leading from the front
and acknowledged the risks; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Louis Bonacasa joined the 105th Airlift Wing and
became a Defender with the 105th Base Defense Squadron, where he was a
vital part of a strong brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, An exceptional leader, Louis Bonacasa served four deployment
tours between Qatar, Iraq, and Afghanistan; many of the younger Airmen
looked to him for guidance and he did not hesitate to help others; and
WHEREAS, For his steadfast and meritorious military service, Staff
Sergeant Louis Bonacasa was the recipient of numerous awards and deco-
rations including Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Air Force
Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Combat Action Medal, Joint
Meritorious Unit Award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze service
star, Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze service Star, Global War on
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Air Force Expeditionary Service
Ribbon with gold border and oak leaf cluster as well as the Armed Forces
Reserve Medal with "M" device and numeral "2"; and
WHEREAS, This valiant soldier was also named an Honorary OSI Agent and
was the recipient of The Harry Crooke Award; and
WHEREAS, Louis Bonacasa will be remembered for his keen sense of humor
and striking personality; a role model for all, he strived each day to
make a lasting and positive impact on those around him; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated and skilled Airman and a loving family man, Staff
Sergeant Louis Bonacasa always tried to find ways to improve himself as
a person and to ensure a bright future for his daughter; subsequently,
he enrolled in classes at Suffolk County Community College in the summer
of 2015 for the Dietetic Technician program, where he learned about
nutrition and how to help people take control of their health by making
better food choices; and
WHEREAS, An excellent student, he maintained a GPA of 3.5; Staff
Sergeant Louis Bonacasa's favorite class was English and he proved to be
an outstanding writer; in May of 2015, he was awarded the Harry Crooke
Award for his essay entitled "Back in the Sandbox"; and
WHEREAS, After college, he dreamed of opening his own nutrition busi-
ness and penning a non-traditional cookbook; and
WHEREAS, Despite all his achievements, Louis Bonacasa remained a
humble man who was gifted with a joyful sense of humor, often making
people laugh out loud; Louis lived each day by the values he held close
to his heart: work hard to play hard, and cherish family and friends
because they are everything; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa is
survived by his parents, Vincent M. and Diana O. Bonacasa; his wife of
11 years, Deborah A. Bonacasa; his daughter, Lilianna M.; two sisters,
Gabriela M. and Raquel A.; a brother, Vincent C.; and one niece, Jayla
M.; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
.SO DOC S R6077 RESO TEXT 2015
with which our men and women served this country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who give of their
lives for their beloved Nation; 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
mourn the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa of Long
Island, New York, paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member
of the New York Air National Guard; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa.