2017 -- S 0529

========

LC001976

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THOMAS G. SUPROCK

     Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, Metts, Satchell, Algiere, and Lombardi

     Date Introduced: March 07, 2017

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Thomas G. Suprock, the son of the late George and Louise Suprock, has

passed away at the age of sixty-six. He was an authentic American war hero and was a beloved

figure within the Rhode Island veterans' community; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Suprock served our nation with valor and honor as a helicopter pilot in

the Vietnam War. He was a fearless and courageous pilot who had the difficult and precarious job

of flying reconnaissance missions at a low altitude over enemy held territory and offering his

helicopter as a moving target in order to draw the enemy out and reveal their positions; and

     WHEREAS, In the line of duty, Mr. Suprock had to make nine "unscheduled landings"

which was a euphemism he used to describe being shot down by the enemy. These hard landings

put severe stress on his back and spine that resulted in severe pain and discomfort in the years to

come. He was eventually in so much spinal pain that he needed to wear a morphine pump to send

relief to his damaged spine ; and

     WHEREAS, In recognition of his heroic service to our nation, Mr. Suprock was awarded

twenty-four medals of valor including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and the

Rhode Island Cross; and

     WHEREAS, After returning home from the Vietnam War, Mr. Suprock continued his

aviation career at T.F. Green Airport, where he eventually became the Chief of Facilities; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Suprock never forgot his roots and worked tirelessly on behalf of

veterans returning from combat, particularly those who returned home disabled. He was a pillar

of strength and honor to all those who got to know him and he will be sorely missed by his

family, many friends, and innumerable admirers; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Suprock leaves behind his wife, Susanne Suprock, a daughter, Ingrid

Suprock, a son, Jeremy Martini, step-sons John and Brandon Dailey, and a sister, Patricia

Suprock; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby expresses its condolences on the passing of Thomas G. Suprock; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Susanne Suprock and family.

========

LC001976

========

LC001976 - Page 2 of 2