LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Lieutenant Joseph
J. Theinert of Shelter Island, New York, and paying tribute to his
courageous actions as a member of the New York Army National Guard

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring 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 combat operations in
Afghanistan 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 Lieutenant Joseph J. Theinert of Shel-
ter Island, New York, and pays tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the New York Army National Guard; and
WHEREAS, A member of the New York Army National Guard who volunteered
for active duty with the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, Lieutenant
Joseph J. Theinert of Shelter Island, New York, age 24, died on Friday,
June 4, 2010, during United States Armed Forces combat operations in
Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, A 2008 University at Albany graduate and history major, Lieu-
tenant Joseph J. Theinert was a homegrown American hero who had signed
up for military service at Shelter Island High School on his 18th birth-
day; and
WHEREAS, While in high school, Lieutenant Joseph J. Theinert competed
in lacrosse, basketball and cross-country, and was Student Council pres-
ident and prom king; he enjoyed fishing on Long Island Sound and had
worked for the Shelter Island ferry service prior to his military
service; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Joseph J. Theinert is survived by his mother,
Chrystyna S. Kestler of Mattituck, New York; his father, James W. Thei-
nert of Sag Harbor, New York; his two brothers, James Theinert and
William Theinert; and his grandmother, Patricia Theinert of Sag Harbor,
New York; 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 Lieutenant Joseph J. Theinert of Shelter
Island, New York, and pay tribute to his courageous actions as a member
of the New York Army National Guard; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Lieutenant Joseph J. Theinert.