LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Staff Sergeant
Tyler E. Pickett, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Army

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Iraqi Freedom will ensure
our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy,
and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Iraqi/Enduring
Freedom, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Tyler E. Pickett, and
pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States
Army; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Tyler E. Pickett, a 10th Mountain Division
soldier, died on June 8, 2008, at the age of 28, in Iraq, when a suicide
bomber attacked his convoy with a vehicle borne improvised explosive
device; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Tyler E. Pickett, originally from Saratoga,
Wyoming, was an infantry non-commissioned officer assigned to 2nd
Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team; and
WHEREAS, He enlisted in May 2001 and completed basic and advanced
individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia; he was assigned to 2-22
Infantry in November 2001, and deployed with his unit to Afghanistan
from August 2003 to August 2004 and to Iraq from November 2005 to June
2006; and
WHEREAS, His military education includes the Warrior Leader Course,
Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course and the Combat Lifesaver
Course; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include the
Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with bronze star
device, Army Commendation Medal with "V" device, Army Commendation
Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service
Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman
Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Air Assault
Badge; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Tyler E. Pickett is survived by his wife,
Kristy A. Pickett; stepdaughter, Kassidy Lynn Keegan; his mother, Sheri
R. Peterson; and his father, Ralph Edward Pickett; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Tyler E. Pickett, and to pay

tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Staff Sergeant Tyler E. Pickett.