Senate Resolution No. 1693 BY: Senator MARTINS HONORING Luke Whitting upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Leadership Award by the Tribute and Honor Foundation on February 3, 2024 WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Luke Whitting upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Leadership Award by the Tribute and Honor Foundation, to be celebrated at its 3rd Annual Phoenix Rising Awards ceremony on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, New York; and WHEREAS, The Tribute and Honor Foundation exists to honor, pay tribute, and celebrate our veterans and the veteran community, while also seeking out opportunities to support our heroes and their families; and WHEREAS, The Leadership Award is presented to a veteran with extraordinary leadership in serving fellow veterans and the community; and WHEREAS, Luke Whitting was a proud member of the 2/501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division where he served for more than five years; he later served in Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel and provided base defense which allowed Special Forces to conduct combat operations against ISIS-K; and WHEREAS, In March of 2018, Luke Whitting was re-deployed to Fort Bragg and in January 2020, he was honorably discharged at the esteemed rank of Sergeant; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to local veterans and his community, Luke Whitting serves as Commander of Glenwood Landing American Legion Post No. 336; 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 risked their lives for their beloved Nation; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Luke Whitting demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore the highest respect of his 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 honor Luke Whitting upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Leadership Award by the Tribute and Honor Foundation on February 3, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Luke Whitting.