Senate Resolution No. 1057

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Kenya L. Smith upon the occasion of his
recognition at the 20th Annual New York State Senate
Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and
recognize the courageous men and women who have served in the Armed
Forces of the United States with distinction, dedication, and valor; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to honor Kenya
L. Smith upon the occasion of his recognition at the 20th Annual New
York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony, to be held on Tuesday,
May 27, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Born on January 31, 1964, in Harlem, New York, Kenya L.
Smith was raised in a family of eight siblings by parents Harry Floyd
Smith and Jean Eleanor Squire Smith; his formative years were shaped by
the values of discipline, service, and leadership through active
participation in the Cub Scouts, the Police Athletic League, and martial
arts; and

WHEREAS, Kenya L. Smith attended August Martin High School in
Queens, New York, where he distinguished himself in athletics, the Civil
Air Patrol, and an early flight program; he later earned a track
scholarship to Tuskegee University, where he majored in Computer Science
and Mathematics, joined the Air Force ROTC, and became a member of the
Arnold Air Society, the Prince Hall Silver Trowel Lodge No. 10, and the
Tuskegee University Marching Band; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating in 1988, Kenya L. Smith entered active duty
in the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Security Specialist,
serving honorably during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; as a
fire team leader, he was entrusted with commanding a 44-man unit,
demonstrating exceptional leadership under high-pressure conditions; and

WHEREAS, Near the end of his military career, Kenya L. Smith
transitioned to the reserves and was honorably discharged, leaving with
a legacy of honorable leadership of service to our Nation; and

WHEREAS, In civilian life, Kenya L. Smith has cultivated an
exemplary professional career with over 30 years of experience in
information technology and network services across New York, New Jersey,
and Connecticut; he continues to serve the public as a mentor, role
model, and cultural steward; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, Kenya L.
Smith is a Master Mason of Fidelity Lodge No. 97, a 32-degree Scottish
Rite and York Rite Mason, and an esteemed Prince Hall Shriner with
Medina Temple No. 19, where he holds the distinguished title of HPIP,
Imperial Deputy; and

WHEREAS, Kenya L. Smith is also a Master Instructor in USA Goju Ryu
Karate with over 35 years of experience and a professional photographer

whose lens has captured the vibrancy and strength of his community for
over three decades; and

WHEREAS, Kenya L. Smith continues to inspire through his unwavering
commitment to service, excellence, and the empowerment of others; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Kenya L. Smith upon the occasion of his recognition at the 20th
Annual New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony, and to
extend its deepest appreciation for his distinguished military service
and lifelong contributions to the people of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kenya L. Smith with the heartfelt congratulations of this
Legislative Body.