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Regular Session, 2012
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 71
BY SENATOR ADLEY
CONDOLENCES. Expresses condolences upon the death of United States Army Master
Sergeant Jared Van Aalst in Afghanistan.
A RESOLUTION1
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana to the2
family of United States Army Master Sergeant Jared Neville Van Aalst upon his3
tragic and untimely death in Operation Enduring Freedom, and for his brave and4
heroic service to his country in support of the Global War on Terrorism.5
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Van Aalst was a native of Laconia, New Hampshire,6
and a graduate of Plymouth High School; and7
WHEREAS, two years after graduation Master Sergeant Van Aalst joined the United8
States Army in 1995; and9
WHEREAS, Van Aalst completed various training, including Ranger and Sniper10
schools and then served as team leader, squad leader, instructor and shooter in the United11
States Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Georgia; and12
WHEREAS, in 2003, Van Aalst served as a sniper platoon sergeant assigned to the13
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; and14
WHEREAS, then Platoon Sergeant Van Aalst was deployed on his first combat15
rotation to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, then to Operation Iraqi Freedom16
in Iraq; and17
WHEREAS, Van Aalst, as platoon sergeant, was deployed twice more to Iraq in18 SR NO. 71
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2005, and again to Afghanistan in 2006, and served on the front lines in extremely high-risk1
jobs; and 2
WHEREAS, in 2008, he was selected for the United States Army Special Operations3
Command in Fort Bragg; and4
WHEREAS, in 2009, Van Aalst married Katie Himel, of Houma, Louisiana, after5
they met at a mutual friend's wedding and fell in love; and 6
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Van Aalst, a courageous and decorated soldier,7
received many military awards and honors, which included two Meritorious Service Metals,8
two Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, seven Army9
Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and10
many awards and badges for combat infantryman, master parachutist, pistol shooting,11
service-rifle individual championship, rifleman and excellence in competition; and 12
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Van Aalst was killed in battle on Wednesday, August13
4, 2010, at the age of thirty-four, in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, during his sixth combat14
deployment; and 15
WHEREAS, being one of the bravest and dedicated soldiers in combat, Master16
Sergeant Van Aalst was posthumously recognized with a second Bronze Star Medal, a third17
Purple Heart Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; and18
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Van Aalst is dearly missed by all who knew and loved19
him, especially his wife, Katie, and his children, Kaylie Ann, 6, Ava Elizabeth, 3, and Hugh20
Jared, 1; and 21
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Van Aalst will forever be remembered as a true22
American hero for his bravery and dedication to his country. 23
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana24
does hereby extend its deepest and most profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the25
family and friends of United States Army Master Sergeant Jared Neville Van Aalst for their26
great loss and for his faithful service to his country and nation.27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the28
family of Master Sergeant Jared Neville Van Aalst.29 SR NO. 71
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The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Danielle Doiron.
DIGEST
Adley SR No. 71
Expresses condolences upon the death of United States Army Master Sergeant Jared Neville
Van Aalst.