[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 71 (Monday, April 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E449-E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SPECIALIST ABIGAIL JENKS FOR HER SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES 
                                  ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2021

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
service of U.S.

[[Page E450]]

Army Specialist Abigail Jenks. Specialist Jenks tragically lost her 
life in an airborne training exercise on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Fort 
Bragg.
  Specialist Jenks was a native of Gansevoort, New York. She graduated 
from Saratoga Springs High School in 2018 and went on to enlist in the 
U.S. Army. In June of 2019, Specialist Jenks was assigned as a 
paratrooper to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She had previously completed 
the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia and Advanced 
Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Specialist Jenks was a fire 
support specialist operating as a forward observer with the brigade's 
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne 
Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne 
Division.
  Specialist Jenks always knew she wanted to serve her country by 
enlisting in the Army. As a member of the famed 82nd Airborne Division, 
she excelled at her role and flourished in the rigorous and demanding 
environment that serving in our Armed Forces commands. In recognition 
of her outstanding service, Specialist Jenks was awarded the Army 
Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense 
Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Service 
Ribbon, and the Army Parachutist Badge. Now, she will be posthumously 
awarded the Meritorious Service Medal--a prestigious award only 
presented to those who distinguish themselves by outstanding 
meritorious achievement and service to the United States.
  On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to 
recognize Specialist Abigail Jenks' character, bravery, and remarkable 
dedication to our country, and I ask this House to remember her 
sacrifice and legacy forever.

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