rap #185 09/23/10

FREEHOLDERS' STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF PETTY OFFICER DENIS MIRANDA

TOMS RIVER - Members of The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders said their thoughts and their prayers are with the family of Petty Officer 3rd Class Denis Miranda, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

"Today we grieve for and honor Petty Officer Miranda, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his nation," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little.

Miranda, a member of the elite Navy SEALS, was a graduate of Toms River High School East. He joined the navy in 2003 and became a SEAL in 2007.

"Petty Officer Miranda died while fighting to end oppression in Afghanistan," Freeholder Director James F. Lacey said. "He fought to bring the freedom and liberty we hold so precious to the people of that war-torn land."

Miranda is the eighth Ocean County serviceman to be killed in the ongoing War on Terror.

Freeholder Little, who is liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, said officials from that office will be reaching out to Miranda's relatives.

"I have asked John Dorrity, the director of our Veteran's Bureau, to provide any assistance he can to the Miranda family," Little said.

The Freeholders also expressed their condolences for the eight other troops who perished in the helicopter crash.

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