LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of United States Army
Sergeant Aaron M. Smith, and paying tribute to his courageous actions in
Afghanistan

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to express sympathy
for the loss of a courageous soldier who sacrificed his life while serv-
ing in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is deeply moved to mourn the untimely
death of United States Army Sergeant Aaron M. Smith, and pay tribute to
his courageous actions in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Aaron Smith, 25, of Manhattan, Kansas, died on
Friday, October 2, 2009; he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
(Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Smith served as a fire support specialist with Head-
quarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regi-
ment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry);
he deployed with 3rd Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Endur-
ing Freedom; this was his second deployment; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Smith joined the United States Army in May of 2004
and arrived to Fort Drum in September of 2004; he completed Basic Train-
ing and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 2004;
and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Smith's awards and decorations include the Army
Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Cita-
tion, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan
Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge;
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;
and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Aaron Smith is survived by his mother, Ann Jones;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of United States Army Sergeant Aaron M. Smith,
and pay tribute to his courageous actions in Afghanistan; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Sergeant Aaron M. Smith.