LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of
Andrew H. Wilkinson, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Former 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, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their Country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, The late Andrew H. Wilkinson will be honored on Monday, March
1, 2010, at the Albany County "Honor a Veteran Ceremony" held at the
Albany County Office Building, Cahill Room, 112 State Street, Albany,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Andrew H. Wilkinson of Albany, New York, died on August 11,
2007; born on April 13, 1933, he served in the United States Air Force
from 1952 to 1975; and
WHEREAS, Andrew H. Wilkinson served as a Master Sergeant in the 1876th
Communications Squadron at Tan Son Nhut Airbase in Vietnam from 1966 to
1967; and
WHEREAS, During his 23 years of military service with the Air Force,
Andrew H. Wilkinson was stationed for 13 years overseas, and at 19
different Air Force bases; he was the recipient of the NATO Service
Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and Vietnam Gallantry Cross; and
WHEREAS, Upon retiring from the Air Force, Andrew H. Wilkinson became
an enthusiastic veterans' advocate; he was a Founding member, past Board
member and Life member of the Tri County Council of Vietnam Veterans,
and chaired its hospital oversight and agent orange/dioxin committees;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Andrew H. Wilkinson was a life member of the
DAV, Chapter 10; Oppenheim VFW Post 1019; and a member of Scully Ameri-
can Legion Post 1019; and
WHEREAS, An organizer of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Petition
Committee, in 1987 Andrew H. Wilkinson co-founded the International
Agent Orange Network; and
WHEREAS, Andrew H. Wilkinson is survived by his niece and nephew-in-
law, Mary Emma and Robert Townsend; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Andrew H. Wilkinson, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Andrew H. Wilkinson.