LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr. upon the occa-
sion of receiving his high school diploma from the Middletown Enlarged
City School District on June 26, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
citizens who, through a lifetime of impressive achievement, are a
profound inspiration to all the citizens of our Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jerome "Jerry" Eugene Dash, Sr. upon the occasion of receiving his high
school diploma from the Middletown Enlarged City School District on
Friday, June 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr.,
an extraordinary patriot, was so eager to serve his country he misrepre-
sented his age so that he would be eligible to enlist in the United
States National Guard at the age of 15 in 1950; and
WHEREAS, Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr.'s unit was activated and sent to
serve in Korea through 1952; upon his return home, he married his child-
hood sweetheart and began raising his family; and
WHEREAS, Then in 1954, Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr. reenlisted in the
United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1957; and
WHEREAS, After completing his valiant military service, Jerome Eugene
Dash, Sr. diligently worked for the United States Postal Service until
his retirement; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-1980s, Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr. returned to school
and was diagnosed with dyslexia by Queens College; undeterred, in 2003,
he approached Literacy Volunteers of Middletown and expressed his goals
for earning his GED and attending college classes; and
WHEREAS, After a few years of study, Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr. began to
explore various options and accommodations for the GED exam; he contin-
ued with both class work and tutoring and is now receiving his High
School Diploma; and
WHEREAS, Today, Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr. works as a cashier at a local
retailer; when not working, he loves to ride horses at the Black Walnut
Ranch and is also a member of The Black Cowboy Association; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr. is active in the Lions
Club and frequently speaks on behalf of Literacy Volunteers, now known
as Literacy Orange, encouraging young people to stay in school or return
to school as he has done; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his family, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr.'s accomplishment of being awarded his
high school diploma serves as an inspiration to his peers, family,
friends and people of all ages; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr. upon the occasion of receiving his high
school diploma from the Middletown Enlarged City School District on June
26, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jerome Eugene Dash, Sr.