LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Chief Warrant
Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Kelley, and paying tribute to his coura-
geous 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 Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class
Matthew G. Kelley, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Kelley was one of
four pilots assigned to 10th Mountain Division (LI) who died on January
26, 2009, in a crash involving two OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, the
result of enemy action, in northern Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Kelley, who served
with 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade,
joined the United States Armed Forces in March of 2003; and
WHEREAS, He completed Warrant Officer training in 2005 and came to
Fort Drum to fly the Kiowa Warrior in October 2007; previous deployments
include an eight-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in
2003-2004; he deployed again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in
October; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding soldier's awards and decorations include the
Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze
Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device,
Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon-2, Basic Army Aviator
Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist
Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Combat Action Badge; and
WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Kelley is survived
by his wife, DaLana A. Kelley; two children, Tyler M. and Megan E.; and
his parents, Stephen H. and Catherine A. Kelley; 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 Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Matthew G.
Kelley, 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 Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Class Matthew G.
Kelley.