S*1228 Resolution, By Pinckney
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE
 OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPON THE DEATH OF UNITED STATES ARMY STAFF
 SERGEANT ESAU G. PATTERSON, JR., ON THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2004, SOUTH OF
 BAGHDAD, IRAQ, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY
 FRIENDS.

   05/06/04  Senate Introduced and adopted SJ-3

TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA UPON THE DEATH OF UNITED STATES ARMY STAFF SERGEANT ESAU G. PATTERSON, JR., ON THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2004, SOUTH OF BAGHDAD, IRAQ, AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, a Ridgeland native, Esau G. Patterson, Jr., was born May 11, 1978, to Carrie and Esau G. Patterson, Sr.; and

Whereas, influenced by his father's valiant military service, Esau Patterson joined the United States Army upon graduation from Jasper County High School and four years of ROTC; and

Whereas, a leader in the 427th Field Artillery Battalion, Staff Sergeant Patterson was based in Baumholder, Germany, before his tour of duty in Iraq; and

Whereas, Staff Sergeant Patterson's original one-year tour was extended another six months, and the brave soldier was killed in action while clearing an area of explosives south of Baghdad, when a suicide car bomb exploded; and

Whereas, Staff Sergeant Patterson was married to Kisha, and they have two children, two-year-old daughter, Kesauna, and four-year-old son, Kearon Jones; and

Whereas, Staff Sergeant Patterson will be greatly missed by his wife, children, parents, six sisters, many other loving family members and friends, and all of the soldiers with whom he served; and

Whereas, it is with deep admiration that the members of the Senate recognize the courage and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Esau G. Patterson, Jr., as he laid down his life fighting for and defending the freedom of his country. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, express their sincere sorrow upon the death of United States Army Staff Sergeant Esau G. Patterson, Jr., on Thursday, April 29, 2004, south of Baghdad, Iraq, and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the family of Staff Sergeant Esau G. Patterson, Jr.