LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Sergeant Shawn
Farrell II of Accord, New York, and paying tribute to his courageous
actions as a member of the United States Army

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced action in the Middle East will
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world;
and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Sergeant Shawn Farrell II, and pays
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shawn Farrell II, of Accord, New York, died on April
28, 2014, at the age of 24, while honorably serving his country in
Nejrab District, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shawn Farrell was born in Kingston, New York, and
was a 2008 graduate of Rondout Valley High School; inspired by family
members who served before him and the event of 9/11, this patriotic
young man joined a United States Army Reserve Unit in Bullville, New
York, during his senior year in high school and, immediately following
graduation, went to active duty, training at Fort Benning, Georgia,
before being assigned to Fort Riley in Kansas; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shawn Farrell was a 10th Mountain Division Soldier
with 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team; he
arrived at Fort Drum in May 2010 and deployed to Afghanistan in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom from March 2011 to March 2012; he left for
his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in November 2013; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Shawn Farrell served with distinction; his awards
and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achieve-
ment Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service
Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, the Noncommissioned Officers
Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas
Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert
Infantryman Badge, and the Air Assault Badge; in addition, this coura-
geous soldier was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal; and
WHEREAS, Beloved by his community, Sergeant Shawn Farrell will be
remembered for his dedication to his family, his love of the outdoors,
and his generosity of spirit; he is survived by his wife, Allison
Hilbrandt Farrell; parents, Shawn Farrell and Tracy Kelleher, and Heath-
er and David Stokes; three brothers, Brandon and Jake Farrell, and David
Stokes II; sisters, Jenna and Aidan Farrell, and two nieces, Sophie and
Aubrey Farrell; as well as his mother and father-in-law, Mechelle and
Brian Hilbrandt; and his sister-in-law Hannah Hilbrandt, and many aunts,
uncles, cousins, and friends; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which our men and women served this country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who give of their
lives for their beloved Nation; 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
mourn the untimely death of Sergeant Shawn Farrell II, of Accord, New

York, and to pay tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the
United States Army; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Sergeant Shawn Farrell II.