Senate Resolution No. 24

BY: Senator RITCHIE

MOURNING the death of Master Sergeant Dustin
Rupert, meritorious veteran, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert,
noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert of North Carolina, tragically
died from injuries suffered during a car accident on January 18, 2020,
at the age of 39; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Massena Central High School in
Northern New York, and the Virginia Military Institute, Dustin Rupert
joined the United States Army as an infantryman on November 12, 2002;
throughout his tenure, he was deployed three times to Iraq in support of
combat operations, as well as once to Yemen in support of contingency
operations; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert was deployed
three times in support of combat operations in Iraq and Syria in support
of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve, and once to
Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his devoted service to our Nation, Master
Sergeant Dustin Rupert received a number of accolades, including the
Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the
Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), the Joint Service Commendation
Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), the Army Achievement
Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal (2nd Award), and the Army
Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), as well as the National Defense Service
Medal; and

WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert also received the Afghanistan
Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with
4 Bronze Service Stars, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with 2
Bronze Service Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal,
the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer
Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 4, the Army Service Ribbon,
the NATO Medal, the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Combat
Infantryman Badge, the Military Free fall Jumpmaster Badge, and the
Parachutist Badge; and

WHEREAS, Last assigned to Headquarters, United States Army Special
Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Master Sergeant Dustin
Rupert was laid to rest amongst fellow heroes at Arlington National
Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his steadfast and unremitting commitment
to our Nation's freedom, Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert was posthumously
awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert is survived by his wife,
Meaghan; his parents, Dean and Laurene Rupert; one sister, Danielle and
fiance, Angelo Iacuzza; one brother, Derek and wife, Alex; and one
nephew, Luciano; and

WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert will be fondly remembered by
family, friends and fellow soldiers for his compassion, leadership,
selflessness and courage; and

WHEREAS, The North Country, New York State and this great Nation
will never forget the contributions and sacrifices of Master Sergeant
Dustin Rupert, a devoted hero who devoted nearly two decades of his life
to serving our country as a member of its esteemed armed forces; now,
therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert, meritorious veteran,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Master Sergeant Dustin Rupert.