WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Craig Aaron Pruden, USA, a beloved husband and father and a decorated combat engineer who served multiple tours of duty during the Global War on Terror, died on September 15, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Craig Pruden grew up in Woodbridge and volunteered for the United States Army at the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, highly admired for his drive and determination, Craig Pruden graduated from the Sapper Leader Course at the United States Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, and he courageously served on two deployments to Afghanistan and one to Iraq; and

WHEREAS, in August 2011, while serving as a member of the 4th Cavalry Regiment in Afghanistan, Craig Pruden participated in a mission to clear fields of fire and create a defensible position in an area highly contested by Taliban forces; and

WHEREAS, Craig Pruden earned the Bronze Star with the "V" device for valor after his unit was ambushed, and he willingly placed himself in harm's way to successfully recover an explosive initiator device critical to the mission that had been lost during the firefight; and

WHEREAS, Craig Pruden inspired family members, friends, and members of his unit through his selflessness and incredible work ethic; he consistently encouraged others to pursue their goals and become the best versions of themselves; and

WHEREAS, Craig Pruden also earned the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, seven Army Achievement Medals, four Good Conduct Medals, and the De Fleury Medal from the Army Engineer Association, among many other awards and decorations; and

WHEREAS, Craig Pruden will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Mariah; his sons, Trey and Tristin; his father, Rickie; his mother, Elizabeth; and numerous other family members, friends, and fellow soldiers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Staff Sergeant Craig Aaron Pruden, USA; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Staff Sergeant Craig Aaron Pruden, USA, as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.