LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Specialist Travis
Picantine, 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 Enduring Free-
dom, 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 Specialist Travis Picantine, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, A 10th Mountain Division soldier from Fort Drum, Specialist
Travis Picantine, 23, of Sesser, Illinois, died in Hollis, New York, on
November 10, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Travis Picantine was born in Springfield, Illi-
nois, on September 26, 1986; he attended school in the Sesser-Valier
Community Unit School District before enlisting in the Army in April
2007; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Travis Picantine was stationed at Fort Benning,
Georgia, for basic training and advanced individual training; he was
then stationed at Fort Drum with the 10th Mountain Division and returned
to Fort Drum after his first deployment to Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Travis Picantine's awards and decorations include
the Army Achievement Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghan-
istan Campaign Medal with one Bronze Combat Star, Global War on Terror-
ism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO
Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge; and
WHEREAS, Specialist Travis Picantine is survived by his mother, Tammy
J. Severs, and his stepfather, Keith Severs; 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 Specialist Travis Picantine, 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 Specialist Travis Picantine.