Assembly Resolution No. 1426

BY: M. of A. Santabarbara

COMMENDING the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce
upon the occasion of hosting its Military
Appreciation event on May 21, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly recognize those organizations within the State of New York
which have positively impacted their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce's Unified Military
Affairs Council program upon the occasion of hosting its Military
Appreciation event on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Unified Military Affairs Council program highlights the
importance of the military presence in the Capital Region and helps
ensure its long-term viability and success; and

WHEREAS, The Unified Military Affairs Council program increases
public knowledge of the contributions made by military units in the
Capital Region, all of which impact our global, national, state, and
regional security and economy; and

WHEREAS, The Military Appreciation event will recognize and pay just
tribute to the men and women of the Capital Region who have served, or
who are serving, our Nation so valiantly and honorably; and

WHEREAS, Stratton Air National Guard Base, located in Scotia, New
York, is home to the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing;
and

WHEREAS, The 109th Airlift Wing flies the world's only ski-equipped
LC-130 "Skibirds," as well as traditional C-130 "Wheelbirds," in support
of Arctic and Antarctic operations; and

WHEREAS, The New York Army National Guard is the fourth-largest Army
National Guard in the Nation; and

WHEREAS, The New York Army National Guard traces its history back to
the origins of the militia system in colonial America; and

WHEREAS, The headquarters of the New York Air National Guard and the
New York Army National Guard are located within the Division of Military
and Naval Affairs complex in Latham, New York; and

WHEREAS, The United States Army Watervliet Arsenal is an Army-owned
and operated manufacturing facility located in Watervliet, New York; and

WHEREAS, Known as "America's Cannon Factory," the Watervliet Arsenal
is the Nation's oldest continuously operating arsenal, having begun
manufacturing military hardware during the War of 1812; and

WHEREAS, Navy Reserve Center Schenectady, located in Scotia, New
York, is one of 118 Navy Reserve Centers throughout the United States;
and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Navy Reserve is to provide strategic
depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy, Marine Corps,
and Joint Forces in times of peace and war; and

WHEREAS, The United States Army Albany Recruiting Battalion,
headquartered at the Watervliet Arsenal, encompasses approximately
38,760 square miles; and

WHEREAS, The Albany Recruiting Battalion includes the 27
northeastern counties of New York, the five westernmost counties of
Massachusetts, and the states of Vermont and Connecticut, and is
responsible for the Army's recruiting mission in Europe, Northern
Africa, and the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, The Albany Recruiting Battalion operates 51 recruiting
stations in the continental United States and four recruiting stations
in Germany; and

WHEREAS, The Capital Region is honored to be home to these
critically important military installations, as well as the proud and
dedicated service members who carry out their respective missions; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to salute the
Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors stationed within the Capital Region, and
to honor their dedication and collective contributions to their
communities and to the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce's Unified Military
Affairs Council program upon the occasion of hosting its Military
Appreciation event on May 21, 2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce; the Adjutant
General of the State of New York; the Commanding Officers of the 109th
Airlift Wing, the United States Army Watervliet Arsenal, and Navy
Reserve Center Schenectady; the Commanding Officer of the United States
Army Albany Recruiting Battalion; and the Members of Congress
representing the Capital Region of the State of New York.