WHEREAS, Petty Officer First Class David M. Tapper, a lifelong resident
of the State of New Jersey, graduated from Edgewood Regional High School
in 1989; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer First Class Tapper enlisted in the United States
Navy upon graduation and subsequently completed the Navy's Basic Underwater
Demolition/SEAL Training; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer First Class Tapper served proudly as a U.S. Navy
SEAL, where he had a distinguished military career for more than thirteen
years and earned several honors including the Joint Service Commendation
Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous Good
Conduct Awards; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer First Class Tapper was deployed to Afghanistan
in the service of his country; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer First Class Tapper was a courageous soldier,
a loving husband and father of four children who was known for his tremendous
bravery, unwavering faith and a devout love for his family; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer First Class Tapper has made the ultimate sacrifice,
giving his life in the line of duty while fighting for our country; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer First Class Tapper's patriotism and dedicated
service to his country make him a hero and a true role model for all Americans
and, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey
to mark his passing and to honor his memory;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES E. McGREEVEY, Governor of the State of New
Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT: