Assembly Resolution No. 936 BY: M. of A. Brook-Krasny MOURNING the death of Barry Berger, meritorious veteran, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who, through their selfless commitment, patriotism and dedication, have served to better the quality of life in the communities across our great State and Nation, and who have had a measurable positive impact on the lives of its residents; Barry Berger was one such individual; and WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of Barry Berger on December 4, 2023, noting the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and WHEREAS, Born in Cherkasy, Ukraine on March 11, 1941, Barry Berger and his family returned to Wroclaw, Poland in 1946; in December of 1958, he escaped to West Germany with his father and immigrated to the United States on June 1, 1959; and WHEREAS, Shortly after arriving in the United States, Barry Berger raised his hand to defend our nations interests, proudly enlisting in the United States Army in 1961; he completed basic training in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, as well as Airborne Training at Fort Benning, Georgia; and WHEREAS, This brave soldier served in Germany from 1962-1964 in the 3rd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Regiment, Company "E" and HHQ, and in 1964 he was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he worked as a Drill Sergeant and as an Automatic Weapons Instructor on the rifle range; and WHEREAS, In March of 1966, Barry Berger was deployed to Korea and served on the DMZ in 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Infantry Regiment, Company "C" and returned to the United States in September of that same year; he was then stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia as a Weapons Instructor on the rifle range; and WHEREAS, In December of 1967, Barry Berger was once again deployed to Germany with the 3rd Armor Division, 36th Infantry Regiment, and in December of 1968, he returned to the United States to attend special weapons school and South Vietnamese language school at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Bliss, Texas; and WHEREAS, Two years later, in 1969, Barry Berger was deployed to Vietnam where he courageously served as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army in the delta region before returning state side in December; he was then assigned to Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York, and then to Fort Lee, Virginia, Headquarters Quartermaster Company; and WHEREAS, Due to problems with his back, Barry Berger was honorably discharged on March 11, 1970, after more than eight years of dedicated service; and WHEREAS, After having back surgery in 1974, Barry Berger became a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 154 where he held the positions of President, Adjutant and Treasurer; he was also a lifetime member of Chapter 72 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, and held the position as 1st Vice Commander; and WHEREAS, Professionally, Barry Berger spent his illustrious career as a Senior Communication Specialist for Loews Corporation and retired in 2005; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans and the community-at-large, Barry Berger volunteered as financial advisor on the executive board for the United Military Veterans of Kings County Memorial Day Parade committee where he assisted with the planning for Brooklyn's Memorial Day parade; he was awarded the Patriotism Award for his volunteerism by the United Military Veterans of Kings County in 2012; and WHEREAS, Barry Berger was married to his beloved wife, Irene, for 51 years, and they have one daughter, Dyan; and WHEREAS, Barry Berger's infinite selflessness and benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives he touched; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Barry Berger leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Barry Berger, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Barry Berger.