S*0947 Concurrent Resolution, By Lourie
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THE SUPREME SACRIFICE MADE BY
 CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER PATRICK D. LEACH OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD
 WHILE HE WAS SERVING A TOUR OF MILITARY DUTY IN IRAQ AND TO EXPRESS TO HIS
 WIDOW, CHILDREN, AND FAMILY THE DEEPEST APPRECIATION OF A GRATEFUL STATE AND
 NATION FOR HIS LIFE, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE.

   01/08/08  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-74
   01/09/08  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-25

TO HONOR AND REMEMBER THE SUPREME SACRIFICE MADE BY CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER PATRICK D. LEACH OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD WHILE HE WAS SERVING A TOUR OF MILITARY DUTY IN IRAQ AND TO EXPRESS TO HIS WIDOW, CHILDREN, AND FAMILY THE DEEPEST APPRECIATION OF A GRATEFUL STATE AND NATION FOR HIS LIFE, SACRIFICE, AND SERVICE.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly on behalf of all South Carolinians acknowledge with deep appreciation the great sacrifice that the men and women of the United States Armed Forces make for the ideals of freedom and justice which are so richly enjoyed in this nation; and

Whereas, answering the call of his country to serve with the First Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, of the South Carolina National Guard in Iraq, Chief Warrant Officer Patrick D. Leach left his wife, children, and his home in Rock Hill, South Carolina; and

Whereas, on December 9, 2004, at the age of thirty-nine, Chief Leach lost his life in Iraq for the cause of freedom; and

Whereas, he belonged to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, stationed at McEntire Air National Guard Station and was an eighteen-year veteran of the National Guard; and

Whereas, there is no greater or braver sacrifice than for a man to lay down his life for his country; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly takes great honor in remembering the life and sacrifice of one of South Carolina's brave sons and heroes, Chief Warrant Officer Patrick D. Leach; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly express to the widow, children, parents, and family of Chief Leach their grateful appreciation for his life, his sacrifice, and his service. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, honor and remember the supreme sacrifice made by Chief Warrant Officer Patrick D. Leach of the South Carolina National Guard, while he was serving a tour of military duty in Iraq and express to his widow, children, and family the deepest appreciation of a grateful state and nation for his life, sacrifice, and service.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Brice Leach.