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Regular Session, 2014
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 90
BY SENATOR ADLEY
CONDOLENCES. Extends condolences upon the death of Louisiana Army National Guard
Specialist Christopher R. Drake.
A RESOLUTION1
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana to the2
family of Louisiana Army National Guard Specialist Christopher R. Drake upon his3
death in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.4
WHEREAS, Specialist Christopher R. Drake was a native of Tickfaw, Louisiana and5
a 2011 graduate of Independence High School, where he displayed great talent and6
proficiency on the school's football team and was recognized as an all-district cornerback;7
and8
WHEREAS, Specialist Drake dreamed of going to college to get a degree in9
mechanical engineering; and10
WHEREAS, it became apparent to Specialist Drake that his best option for financing11
his educational goals would be to join the Louisiana Army National Guard, where12
guardsmen are provided college benefits; and13
WHEREAS, he enlisted in the Guard in September 2011, to become a truck driver,14
completing his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and being assigned to the15
1084
th
Transportation Company, 165
th
Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, 139
th
16
Regional Support Group of the Louisiana Army National Guard based in Reserve, Louisiana,17
a unit that specializes in transportation on convoy escorts; and18 SR NO. 90
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WHEREAS, in April 2012, Specialist Drake arrived in Afghanistan in support of1
Operation Enduring Freedom; and2
WHEREAS, Specialist Drake was given the dangerous task of gunner on a Mine3
Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle and he performed bravely during the deadly patrols his4
unit conducted; and5
WHEREAS, Specialist Drake soon won the hard-earned confidence of his fellow6
soldiers, and those who rode with him would jokingly declare that he saved their lives on a7
daily basis; and8
WHEREAS, Specialist Drake was twenty years old when he and his crew were given9
a mission for Sunday, May 26, 2013, to conduct mounted patrols in support of American10
ground forces searching for the enemy; and11
WHEREAS, on that day, Specialist Drake and his patrol found and engaged heavily12
armed enemy soldiers in Bagram, Afghanistan, and in the ensuing firefight, he and his13
vehicle were struck by a rocket-propelled grenade and Specialist Drake was mortally14
wounded; and15
WHEREAS, Specialist Drake's sacrifice has left those who loved him, his brothers16
in arms, his friends and family and especially his mother Rose, his fiancee Britny and their17
young son with a sense of loss that cannot be measured, but they are also proud to have18
simply known such a truly great American.19
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana20
does hereby extend its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends who21
dearly loved Specialist Christopher R. Drake and now mourn his loss and celebrate his22
contributions and sacrifices.23
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to24
Specialist Drake's mother, Rose, and his fiancee, Britny McAdams.25
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Heyward Jeffers.
DIGEST
Adley SR No. 90
Expresses condolences upon the death of Louisiana Army National Guard Specialist
Christopher R. Drake in Afghanistan.