LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring William J. Cooke upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished service to the National
Association of Letter Carriers

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in acknowledging
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of its esteemed
public servants; and
WHEREAS, William J. Cooke will be honored upon the occasion of his
retirement from the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
during a party to be held at the Saratoga Hilton on April 18, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Bill graduated from Draper School in 1966, and is a lifelong
resident of Rotterdam; and
WHEREAS, He served his country with honor in the United States Air
Force; and
WHEREAS, Bill began his distinguished career with the United States
Postal Service as a letter carrier in Schenectady on July 2, 1969; and
WHEREAS, He has held several positions with NALC Branch 358 in Sche-
nectady, including Steward from 1971 until 1976, Vice President from
1976 until 1979, and President from 1979 until 1995; and
WHEREAS, Bill also served the State Association as District President
from 1981 until 1994, and as an Executive Board Member from 1992 until
1994; and
WHEREAS, He also held numerous NALC Regional positions, such as Local
Business Agent from 1976 until 1983, and Regional Administrative Assist-
ant from 1983 until 1994; and
WHEREAS, Bill is retiring as National Business Agent, Region 11, a
position which he has held since 1994; and
WHEREAS, He was an active member of the AFL-CIO, serving as Sergeant-
at-Arms, Secretary-Treasurer, and President; and
WHEREAS, Bill served as Vice President of both the New York State and
the Capital District Union Label Departments; and
WHEREAS, He also contributed his time to the Immaculate Conception
Church and School, Rotterdam Elks, American Legion, Disabled American
Vets, Knights of Columbus, United Way of Schenectady County, Schenectady
County IDA, CYO basketball and Rotterdam Girls softball; and
WHEREAS, Bill and his loving wife, Christine, are the proud parents of
Karen, Eileen, Jeanine, and Brian Cooke; they are also the proud grand-
parents of two grandchildren, Lauren and Lindsey; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to join the NALC in
expressing sincere appreciation to Bill for his many years of dedicated
service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor William J. Cooke upon the occasion of his well-deserved retirement
from the National Association of Letter Carriers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William J. Cooke.