Senate Resolution No. 1956 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING David B. Combs upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club and New York State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on May 18, 2024 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor David B. Combs upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club and New York State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at their 7th annual Veterans Recognition Dinner on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at The Beeches Manor in Rome, New York; and WHEREAS, Born in Rome, New York, David B. Combs is the son of the late Vaughn and Edna Combs; he graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1967; and WHEREAS, Shortly after graduation, David B. Combs enlisted in the United States Army; he completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and then furthered his training at Fort Gordon, Georgia to become a telephone lineman; and WHEREAS, Upon completion of his training, David B. Combs was assigned to A Company, 37th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade in DaNang, Vietnam; there, he installed and maintained telephones and telephone lines in military installations throughout DaNang and its immediate environs; and WHEREAS, Serving that Battalion for 18 months, David B. Combs returned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he completed his tour; he rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5 before he was honorably discharged; and WHEREAS, After receiving an honorable discharge, David B. Combs showed his commitment to his community by joining the Rome Police Department; he began his career in July of 1971 as a patrolman and was promoted through every uniform rank to finally retire as Chief of Police in 1993; and WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country, David B. Combs received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the New York State Medal for Merit; and WHEREAS, Apart from his personal military service, David B. Combs received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commander of the 174th Fighter Wing in recognition of designing and constructing over 60 flag boxes, which were presented to each member of the Squadron upon their return from Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans, David B. Combs is a member of the Rome VFW Post 2246, member/officer of Lee Center American Legion Post 1794, Rome Coin Club, Point Rock Gun Club, Lee Center Gun Club, Rome Police and Fire Department Retirees Group, and Lake Delta Kiwanis; 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, David B. Combs demonstrates his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of this 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 David B. Combs upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club and New York State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on May 18, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to David B. Combs.