Senate Resolution No. 891

BY: Senator GRIFFO

        COMMENDING  Dick Petroski upon the occasion of his
        designation for  special  recognition  by  the  Lake
        Delta Kiwanis on May 17, 2023

  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 from this Legislative Body; and

  WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend  those
who  have  served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and

  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body  is  justly  proud  to  commend  Dick
Petroski upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the  Lake Delta Kiwanis on May 17, 2023, to be celebrated at this year's
6th Annual Veteran's Recognition Dinner at the Delta Lake Inn  of  Rome,
New York; and

  WHEREAS,  The  dedication  and  sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a  Nation  which  embodies  the  ideals  of
democracy,  and  is  a  defender  of  liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and

  WHEREAS, From 1956 to 1957, Dick Petroski  completed  Boot  Camp  in
Bainbridge,  Maryland  and  served  aboard  the USS Whitehall to perform
Combat Patrol Escort and Rescue; and

  WHEREAS, Furthering his career, Dick Petroski transferred  into  the
United States Army to serve in the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg,
North  Carolina and attended Jump School; upon completion of Jump School
he was assigned to the  reactivated  101st  Airborne  Division  in  Fort
Campbell, Kentucky; and

  WHEREAS, Truly a well-traveled and experienced serviceman, from 1958
to  1960  Dick  Petroski  was  posted  with A Troop, 8th Cav Airborne in
Mannheim, Germany; he returned to the 82nd Airborne Division in November
of 1960; and

  WHEREAS, On October 16, 1962, Dick Petroski was  deployed  with  the
4th  Brigade  and 82nd Airborne to Hurlbut Field to serve in the Special
Operations Wing during the Cuban Missile  Crisis,  a  testament  to  his
remarkable leadership and bravery in the line of duty; and

  WHEREAS,  Dedicated  to the United States and protecting the Nation,
Dick Petroski served overseas in Vietnam from 1964 to 1965 and from 1967
to 1968; and

  WHEREAS, Dick Petroski's heroic service has  led  to  an  impressive
acquisition  of  military  awards  and  honors,  he received the Vietnam
Service with Bronze Service Star; National Defense  Service  Medal  with
Bronze  Service  Star;  Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device;
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry  Cross  with  Palm  Unit  Citation;  Armed

Forces  Expeditionary  Medal;  Master Parachutist Badge; and a myriad of
weapon qualification badges; and

  WHEREAS,  Upon retirement from service, Dick Petroski still remained
dedicated to the armed forces by becoming a committed member of  various
military  service  organizations,  including  the 82nd Airborne Division
Association; Central New York Chapter, as founding Chapter Chairman; The
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post 2246, as Past  Commander;  Lee
American  Legion  Post  1194; Frank J. Steczko Polish American Veterans,
Past Commander; lastly, Stanwix Veterans and Mens Club; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and  merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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  Dick  Petroski upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis on May 17, 2023; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Dick Petroski.