Senate Resolution No. 552

BY: Senator SERINO

COMMENDING Shannon M. Kent 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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Shannon M.
Kent 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

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, A native of Pine Plains, New York, Shannon M. Kent attended
Stissing Mountain High School, graduating as an honors student and
athlete with the Class of 2001; and

WHEREAS, Shannon M. Kent enlisted in the United States Navy in 2003,
and completed boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Illinois in
February of the following year; and

WHEREAS, With a truly brilliant mind, Shannon M. Kent was a master
of languages, speaking seven fluently; she proudly served her country as
a Chief Cryptologic Technician assigned to the Cryptologic Warfare
Activity 66 based at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland; and

WHEREAS, An outstanding Chief Petty Officer and leader to many in
the Navy Information Warfare Community, Shannon M. Kent, 35, was one of
four Americans killed after a suicide bomb triggered an explosion on
Wednesday, January 16, 2019, in Manbij, Syria; and

WHEREAS, Shannon M. Kent's military assignments also include Navy
Information Operations Command in Georgia, Navy Special Warfare Support
Activity 2 in Virginia, Personnel Resource Development Office in
Washington D.C., and Navy Information Operations Command in Maryland;
and

WHEREAS, For her courageous service, Shannon M. Kent was awarded the
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal,
Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint
Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service
Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Rifle
Marksmanship Ribbon and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Shannon M. Kent dedicated herself to a life of service,
following in the footsteps of her father, Colonel Stephen J. Smith of

the New York State Police; she will always be remembered as a small-town
hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting her country and
defending democracy; and

WHEREAS, Shannon M. Kent is survived by a loving family, including
her husband and two children; 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, Having exhibited her patriotism both at home and abroad,
Shannon M. Kent demonstrated her love for her country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; 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 Shannon M. Kent 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 Shannon M. Kent.