Bill Text: NY J02891 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-12-22 - ADOPTED [J02891 Detail]
Download: New_York-2021-J02891-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2891 BY: Senator STEC COMMENDING Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate 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 commend Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 2, 1968; after completing basic training, he was deployed to the Vietnam War in September of 1968 where he was assigned to Co K, 3rd Marine Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, FMF; and WHEREAS, While fighting against the enemy in Quang Nam Province on May 8, 1969, in Operation Oklahoma Hills, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee was seriously injured in a mortar explosion; the injury resulted in the amputation of one arm, but with much resilience, he continues to advocate for other veterans, spending much of his time now working with veteran associations and even driving those in need to the VA hospital in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee was awarded numerous medals and awards including the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and many more; and WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service on March 31, 1970, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee entered federal civilian employment at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 1970 where he served in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department until 1991; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee worked tirelessly for his fellow veterans, organizing various functions for DAV, VFW, and American Legion posts; he planned fundraisers, parades, informational campaigns, raised awareness of legislations affecting veterans, and held membership drives; and WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee enrolled at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh, New York, as a member of the school's first-ever Parks and Recreation Program; he finished at the top of his class, was voted Student of the Year in his major, and graduated with honors while achieving his associate's degree in Parks and Recreation; and WHEREAS, In other acts of service to his community, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee continues to volunteer with Honor Flight in Plattsburgh, a company which aims to provide New York veterans with a flight to Washington, D.C. to experience the gratefulness this Nation has to offer; the veteran gives countless hours of his time signing veterans up for the flights, arranging sites to be visited in Washington, D.C., picking up and escorting veterans to the Honor Flight site, organizing welcoming ceremonies prior to the Honor Flight itself, organizing return Honor Flights from Washington, D.C., and fundraising; 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 to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee 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 commend Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee.