J 1057: Honoring Kenya L. Smith upon the occasion of his recognition at the 20th Annual New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony

 Senate Resolution No. 1057 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Kenya L. Smith upon the occasion of his recognition at the 20th Annual New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize the courageous men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States with distinction, dedication, and valor; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to honor Kenya L. Smith upon the occasion of his recognition at the 20th Annual New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony, to be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025; and WHEREAS, Born on January 31, 1964, in Harlem, New York, Kenya L. Smith was raised in a family of eight siblings by parents Harry Floyd Smith and Jean Eleanor Squire Smith; his formative years were shaped by the values of discipline, service, and leadership through active participation in the Cub Scouts, the Police Athletic League, and martial arts; and WHEREAS, Kenya L. Smith attended August Martin High School in Queens, New York, where he distinguished himself in athletics, the Civil Air Patrol, and an early flight program; he later earned a track scholarship to Tuskegee University, where he majored in Computer Science and Mathematics, joined the Air Force ROTC, and became a member of the Arnold Air Society, the Prince Hall Silver Trowel Lodge No. 10, and the Tuskegee University Marching Band; and WHEREAS, Upon graduating in 1988, Kenya L. Smith entered active duty in the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Security Specialist, serving honorably during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; as a fire team leader, he was entrusted with commanding a 44-man unit, demonstrating exceptional leadership under high-pressure conditions; and WHEREAS, Near the end of his military career, Kenya L. Smith transitioned to the reserves and was honorably discharged, leaving with a legacy of honorable leadership of service to our Nation; and WHEREAS, In civilian life, Kenya L. Smith has cultivated an exemplary professional career with over 30 years of experience in information technology and network services across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut; he continues to serve the public as a mentor, role model, and cultural steward; and WHEREAS, A dedicated member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, Kenya L. Smith is a Master Mason of Fidelity Lodge No. 97, a 32-degree Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason, and an esteemed Prince Hall Shriner with Medina Temple No. 19, where he holds the distinguished title of HPIP, Imperial Deputy; and WHEREAS, Kenya L. Smith is also a Master Instructor in USA Goju Ryu Karate with over 35 years of experience and a professional photographer whose lens has captured the vibrancy and strength of his community for over three decades; and WHEREAS, Kenya L. Smith continues to inspire through his unwavering commitment to service, excellence, and the empowerment of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Kenya L. Smith upon the occasion of his recognition at the 20th Annual New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony, and to extend its deepest appreciation for his distinguished military service and lifelong contributions to the people of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kenya L. Smith with the heartfelt congratulations of this Legislative Body.