Assembly Resolution No. 238

BY: M. of A. Woerner

MOURNING the tragic and untimely death of United
States Army Specialist Abigail Jenks, meritorious
veteran, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
her community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment, patriotism and dedication, have
served to better the quality of life in the communities across our great
State and Nation, and who have had a measurable positive impact on the
lives of its residents; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, is
moved this day to pay tribute to Specialist Abigail Jenks, a dedicated
paratrooper, gifted forward observer, loyal friend, and talented artist
who consistently made a tremendous impact on all of those around her;
and

WHEREAS, Specialist Abigail Jenks of Gansevoort, New York, suffered
a fatal injury during a training operation while conducting a
static-line jump from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on Monday, April 19,
2021, at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, at the age of 20; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Abigail Jenks proudly served her country as a
member of the United States Army's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd
Airborne Division; she was a fire support specialist serving as a
forward observer with the brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Gansevoort, New York, and a 2018 graduate of
Saratoga Springs High School, Specialist Abigail Jenks was a three-time
volunteer who enlisted in the U.S. Army in October of 2018; she was
assigned to Fort Bragg as a paratrooper in June of the following year;
and

WHERERAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her country,
Specialist Abigail Jenks was the recipient of numerous awards and
decorations, including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Army Parachutist
Badge; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she will be posthumously awarded the
Meritorious Service Medal, a military award presented to members of the
United States Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves by
outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States; and

WHEREAS, In solemn recognition of Specialist Abigail Jenks, Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo ordered all flags on state buildings to be flown at
half-staff beginning on April 22, 2021, through her internment as an
honor and tribute to an extraordinary soldier who made the ultimate
sacrifice while serving her country; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Abigail Jenks' infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories;
her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light
and hope to the countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Specialist Abigail Jenks leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing young
woman; she will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute
of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the loss of United States Army Specialist Abigail Jenks, and to
express its deepest condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of United States Army Specialist Abigail
Jenks.