LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Kevin W.
White, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the
United States Army

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize and
honor the courage and bravery of those members of the United States
Armed Forces who have lost their lives while carrying out missions as
part of Operation Enduring Freedom, to 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to mourn
the untimely death of Sergeant Kevin W. White, who died May 2, 2011, as
a result of injuries he received in action in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Kevin W. White was born in Westfield, New York, on May 20,
1988, and graduated from Westfield Academy and Central School in 2006;
he enlisted in the United States Army Infantry on July 25, 2006; and
WHEREAS, During his school years, Kevin W. White was active in athlet-
ics and school activities, including soccer, tennis, volleyball, rifle
club, ski club, high school plays and the school chorus; he also enjoyed
hunting, archery, snorkeling and seeking adventure; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Kevin W. White proudly served his country for four
years and nine months; he completed basic training at Fort Benning,
Georgia; he served at Smith Barracks, Baumholder, Germany 1st Armored
Division and was deployed to Iraq; he was later assigned to Schofield
Barracks, HI Company D, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat
Team and was deployed to Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated soldier, Sergeant White completed Air Assault
training in 2010 and the Warrior Leaders Course for Military Education
in 2011, for which he achieved recognition on the Commandant's list; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Kevin W. White was a decorated soldier, receiving
the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National
Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the
Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Air Assault
Badge, the Combat and Special Skill Badge and Basic Marksmanship Quali-
fying Badge Bar, Weapon: Rifle Expert and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal
with Bronze Service Star; he also received the Army Achievement Medal
twice, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star and the Overseas
Service Ribbon; furthermore, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and
the NATO Medal, posthumously; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great Empire State must never forget the
courage with which members of the United States Armed Forces have served
this great nation, and must recognize and honor the sacrifice of their
lives to achieve peace and democracy; 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 beneficiaries of those who give
their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreciation and
eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly honor
members of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in
military service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Sergeant Kevin W. White, and to express
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Sergeant Kevin W. White.