Virginia native TJ Conrad, who was the brother of my niece (by marriage), was killed in Afghanistan by Islamist lunatics reacting to the inadvertent destruction by a NATO official of some Korans that prisoners had used to transmit secret messages. Within hours, President Obama issued an apology to the lunatics who had murdered TJ. But as of today, four days after TJ was killed, Obama still has not contacted TJ’s family to offer condolences or called for TJ’s murderers to be brought to justice.
In contrast to President Obama‘s indifference toward the family of this valiant fallen soldier, today the Virginia House of Delegates unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Delegate Greg Habeeb to honor TJ Conrad. This resolution will be formally presented to TJ’s family, who were deeply moved by this gesture.
Patrons– Habeeb, Head, Rush, Ware, O. and Yost; Senators: Edwards and Smith
WHEREAS, United States Army Sergeant T.J. Conrad of Roanoke made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country when he died in the line of duty on February 23, 2012, in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, a native of Newport News, T.J. Conrad grew up in Roanoke and graduated from Northside High School, where he was a popular student known for his sense of humor and a champion wrestler in the 171-pound weight class on the school’s wrestling team; and
WHEREAS, as a young wrestler, T.J. Conrad evidenced the exceptional character, strong work ethic, determination, and devotion to teammates that would later mark his career as a soldier; and
WHEREAS, it came as no surprise to friends and family when T.J. Conrad joined the United States Army Reserve shortly after his high school graduation; he later became an active duty soldier and was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, during his career in the military, Corporal Conrad earned the respect of his fellow soldiers and officers for his commitment to fulfilling his duties and supporting his comrades; and
WHEREAS, in January of 2012, Corporal Conrad was deployed to Afghanistan and served as an advisor to Afghan soldiers in Kabul; and
WHEREAS, on February 23, 2012, Corporal Conrad died when an Afghan soldier fired on U.S. troops; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated soldier who took great pride in serving his country and planned to make the military his career, Corporal Conrad was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant T.J. Conrad’s death is a solemn reminder of the perils faced daily by the thousands of Americans who serve in our armed forces overseas and whose devotion to duty places them in harm’s way; and
WHEREAS, devoted to his young family, T.J. Conrad will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Holly; cherished son, Bentley; loving parents and siblings; numerous other family members and friends; and fellow soldiers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a courageous and patriotic Virginian, Sergeant T.J. Conrad; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Sergeant T.J. Conrad as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.
