Senate Resolution No. 1262

BY: Senator ROLISON

COMMENDING Michele AnneMarie Kinsell posthumously
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Michele
AnneMarie Kinsell posthumously upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate, to be celebrated on Tuesday,
August 19, 2025, at the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs
Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born on February 26, 1957, in Inglewood, California,
Michele Kinsell was the daughter of John L. Swarner Sr., a United States
Marine who served during the Korean War and Myrtle M. Scott; and

WHEREAS, At just 18, Michele Kinsell joined the United States Air
Force where she was stationed at Beale Air Force Base (AFB) in
California from May 1977 to October 1981; and

WHEREAS, While serving with the 9th Field Maintenance Squadron, 9th
Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Michele Kinsell made history as the first
female Aerospace Ground Equipment Repairman at her base; and

WHEREAS, As a testament to her skills and leadership, Michele
Kinsell was appointed a Noncommissioned Officer with the rank of
Sergeant (E4) in 1980; and

WHEREAS, During her time at Beale AFB, Michele Kinsell met her
husband William, with whom she had two children, Christina and Jonathan;
life took them in different directions and they separated after their
first marriage, but they rekindled their relationship years later and
remarried; and

WHEREAS, After leaving the Air Force, Michele Kinsell returned to
the East Coast and demonstrated her extraordinary work ethic, raising
her children while juggling multiple jobs including bookkeeper,
secretary, UPS worker, and Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant; and

WHEREAS, Never one to shy away from a new challenge, Michele Kinsell
pursued college courses while she worked and raised her children; and

WHEREAS, Michele Kinsell lived a vibrant and fulfilling life,
finding joy in gardening--whether caring for outdoor flowers or
nurturing indoor plants--peace in knitting, and delight in visits to the
beach; she also had a deep passion for genealogy, healing stones,
crystals, and classic rock music, which brought warmth and rhythm to her
home; and

WHEREAS, Michele Kinsell's community involvement included membership
in the Columbiettes of St. Mary's Council No. 4065, where she lived her
values of faith and service; and

WHEREAS, With a beautiful life marked by strength, compassion and
perseverance, Michele Kinsell passed away on January 1, 2015 in her home
in Hopewell Junction, New York, at the age of 57, leaving behind a
legacy of love and resilience; and

WHEREAS, Michele Kinsell is survived by her children, Christina and
Jonathan; her husband William; and their numerous grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Michele AnneMarie Kinsell posthumously upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Michele AnneMarie Kinsell.