LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II posthumous-
ly upon the occasion of his 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 faithfully and courageously when our Nation's freedom was
at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime,
deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Sergeant Shawn
M. Farrell II posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 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, Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II died on Monday, April 28, 2014,
at the age of 24, while serving his country in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, A 2008 graduate of Rondout Valley High School, Sergeant Shawn
M. Farrell II was the son of Heather Stokes and Shawn Farrell; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II began serving his country as a
member of the United States Army National Guard in his senior year of
high school at a reserve unit in Bullville, New York; after graduation,
he went into active duty in Fort Riley, Kansas; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II was assigned to the 1st Battal-
ion, 32nd Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, based in Fort Drum, New York; and
WHEREAS, A man who was privileged to serve his country, Sergeant Shawn
M. Farrell II first deployed to Afghanistan in 2010; three years later,
he left for his second tour of duty there; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II was called upon to contribute
his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and
always gave of himself unstintingly; before entering the United States
Army, he donated his hair to Locks of Love, a charitable agency that
helps individuals with cancer and other diseases that result in hair
loss; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his parents, Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II is
survived by his wife, Allison, his stepfather, David, three brothers and
two sisters, as well as many other relatives, all of whom feel privi-
leged to have been a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements;
and
WHEREAS, Today, the bravery and willingness of Sergeant Shawn M.
Farrell II to fight for the lives of his fellow human beings, continues
to inspire, and is deserving of the highest honor by all defenders of
freedom; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; 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;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II posthumously upon the occasion of his
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 tran-
smitted to the family of Sergeant Shawn M. Farrell II.