Senate Resolution No. 2257

BY: Senator THOMAS

COMMENDING Captain Katelin M. Morrissey 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 Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Captain
Katelin M. Morrissey 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; she will be presented with this prestigious award
at a veterans recognition event on Saturday, January 4, 2020; 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, For her courageous service in support of Operation Inherent
Resolve in Iraq, Captain Katelin M. Morrissey was awarded the Bronze
Star; and

WHEREAS, Captain Katelin M. Morrissey distinguished herself by
meritorious achievement as Defense Force Commander, 443d Air
Expeditionary Squadron, 447th Air Expeditionary Group, 321st Air
Expeditionary Wing, Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, while engaged in operations
against an opposing armed force from January 18 to July 29, 2019; and

WHEREAS, During this period, while exposed to significant threats
from improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks, Captain Katelin
M. Morrissey led 56 Security Forces defenders in support of Operation
Inherent Resolve; and

WHEREAS, In response to imminent hostile action reports targeting
her location with indirect fire and rocket attacks, Captain Katelin M.
Morrissey commanded Iraq's only airfield defense security forces team,
providing security for the largest coalition airfield in Iraq by
directing 95,000 man-hours and organizing 1,500 amber zone missions and
1,700 random security measures; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she established a joint threat working group
synchronizing United States Army Counter Intelligence, the Office of
Special Investigations and Danish Intelligence with airfield tenant
units, identifying and mitigating four threats from Da'esh extremists;
and

WHEREAS, Captain Katelin M. Morrissey also coordinated the Senior
Airfield Authority's responsibility and security requirement, resulting
in an increase of 12 defenders and correcting a two-year security gap;
and


WHEREAS, Captain Katelin M. Morrissey's outstanding leadership and
direction optimized manpower reforming force protection procedures by
composing and revising 14 special security instructions, decreasing
threat response time by 60 percent for 70 aircraft valued at more than
$3 million; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, while operating in high-risk areas susceptible to
kidnapping and insider threats, Captain Katelin M. Morrissey collected
counter intelligence on a high value individual generating eight joint
counter intelligence team information reports in countering Shia militia
group threats to the base, protecting 4,000 personnel; and

WHEREAS, Finally, this exceptional soldier traveled outside of the
coalition-protected perimeter, through territory frequented by known
anti-collision militias and conducted 36 key leader engagements with
senior Iraqi officials; under constant danger from vehicle-borne
improvised explosive devices and sniper fire, she coordinated four force
protection projects bolstering the installation's security and
strengthening host nation relations; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited her patriotism both at home and abroad,
Captain Katelin M. Morrissey has demonstrated her love for her country
and merits forevermore the highest respect of her State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's military personnel 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 Captain Katelin M. Morrissey 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 Captain Katelin M. Morrissey.