SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 204
(By Senators Tomblin, Mr. President, Anderson, Bailey, Boley,
Bowman, Burnette, Caldwell, Chafin, Craigo, Deem, Edgell,
Facemyer, Fanning, Helmick, Hunter, Jackson, Kessler, Love,
McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Minear, Mitchell, Oliverio, Plymale,
Prezioso, Redd, Ross, Rowe, Sharpe, Snyder, Sprouse, Unger and
Wooton)
Memorializing the life of SSG Anissa Ann Shuttleworth Shero, who
became an American hero on June 12, 2002, while serving her
nation in Afghanistan.
Whereas, Anissa Ann Shero of Grafton, Taylor County, was born
October 5, 1970, the daughter of Clyde Shuttleworth and the late
Tammy (Knight) Moats. She was born into a military family. Her
grandfather, James Shuttleworth, fought in the Battle of the Bulge
during World War II and her father served in Vietnam, losing both
legs when he was wounded in action; and
Whereas, Anissa Ann Shero was a 1988 graduate of Grafton High
School. After graduating, she worked at radio station WTBZ in
Grafton. She also attended Fairmont State College until 1992 when
she enlisted in the United States Air Force; and
Whereas, SSG Anissa Ann Shero served her nation with pride and
distinction and had been decorated for her distinguished service.
In 1996, she was awarded the Air Medal and in 2001 she was awarded two Air Force Achievement Medals and the Air Force Commendation
Medal; and
Whereas, On September 1, 2001, SSG Anissa Ann Shero married
her beloved husband, SSG Nathan Shero, who serves in the United
States Air Force. The couple was based at Hurlburt Field, Florida;
and
Whereas, In late May, 2002, after the terrible events of
September 11, 2001, which began America's war on terrorism, the Air
Force 16th Special Operations Wing was activated and SSG Anissa Ann
Shero became a part of Operation Enduring Freedom; and
Whereas, On June 12, 2002, SSG Anissa Ann Shero was one of
three Americans killed when a MC-130H loadmaster aircraft, a
version of the C-130 transport, crashed shortly after takeoff south
of Gardez, Afghanistan. Her death, along with her dedication and
commitment to our nation's pursuit of terrorists, strengthens our
resolve as a nation; and
Whereas, A public memorial service was held at the Mother's
Day Shrine in Grafton, West Virginia, on June 28, 2002; and
Whereas, Fittingly, SSG Anissa Ann Shero was laid to rest on
July 12, 2002, in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia;
and
Whereas, SSG Anissa Ann Shero leaves behind her beloved
husband, Nathan Shero of Navarre, Florida; father Clyde
Shuttleworth of Grafton, West Virginia; grandmothers Mary Shuttleworth and Edith Kenney; and other family and friends who
treasure her memory; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby recognizes the sacrifice of SSG
Anissa Ann Shuttleworth Shero, whose service to a grateful nation
will not be forgotten and whose passing has only strengthened our
resolve in pursuit of terrorists and those who harbor them; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the Legislature hereby recognizes that
the death of SSG Anissa Ann Shero has touched the hearts of a
grateful nation and has enshrined her in American history as a true
hero; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the family of SSG
Anissa Ann Shero.