LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Timothy
M. Smith, 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 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 Sergeant Timothy M. Smith, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Timothy M. Smith, a 10th Mountain Division, 4th
Brigade Combat Team Soldier died on April 7, 2008, when his vehicle was
struck by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad while on a route
clearance patrol; and
WHEREAS, A native of South Lake Tahoe, California, 25-year-old
Sergeant Timothy M. Smith was a combat engineer noncommissioned officer;
he joined the United States Army in April 2004, and completed basic and
advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Timothy M. Smith was assigned to Fort Polk and 4th
BCT in September 2004; he previously deployed with his unit to Afghanis-
tan from March to November 2006 and deployed to Iraq in November 2007;
his military education includes the Warrior Leader Course, Combat Life-
saver Course and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Team Course; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include the
Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal,
Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Medal, Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge;
and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Timothy M. Smith is survived by his wife, Shayna Rae
Richards; stepson, Riley Abel Richards; and his mother and father; 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 Sergeant Timothy M. Smith, and to pay trib-
ute 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 Sergeant Timothy M. Smith.