LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Raymond P. Aalbue upon the occasion of
his retirement after many years of distinguished service to be cele-
brated April 19, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor
those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have devoted
themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their community
and the needs of its residents; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Raymond P. Aalbue, Public Affairs Officer for the Department of Veterans
Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service, to be celebrated
with a reception on Monday, April 19, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Born December 7, 1947, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Raymond P.
Aalbue graduated from St. Augustine Diocesan High School in 1965; and
WHEREAS, After serving in the United States Air Force from February
1967 to January 1971, Raymond P. Aalbue graduated from St. John's
University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979; he also holds an
Associate in Arts degree from Staten Island Community College, and is a
graduate of the Department of Defense Information School Public Affairs
Officers Course; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, Raymond P. Aalbue began his civilian service for the
United States Army at the United States Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton
in Brooklyn, and served as a Public Affairs Officer from 1998 to 2006;
and
WHEREAS, Since November 2006, Raymond P. Aalbue faithfully served as
the Public Affairs Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs New
York Harbor Healthcare System, the position from which he is retiring;
he also served as its Chief of Voluntary Service; and
WHEREAS, Previously, Raymond P. Aalbue was the Director of Advertising
and Public Affairs for the United States Army Recruiting Battalion in
New York City; in addition, he was the Director of Public Information,
as well as the Deputy Director of the Craft Shop at the United States
Military Academy at West Point, New York; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Raymond P. Aalbue served with intelli-
gence and caring dedication, continuously striving to effectively
fulfill the duties of his position; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all those with whom
he worked, Raymond P. Aalbue will be remembered for his honesty, integ-
rity, keen sense of duty and ability to show a unique grasp of human
problems in his official acts; and
WHEREAS, Recognized in July 2006 for 26 years of civilian service with
the United States Army, Raymond P. Aalbue has been the recipient of
numerous awards and accolades, including the United States Army Merito-
rious Civilian Service Medal, two U.S. Army Commanders Awards for Excep-
tional Service; a National Award Citation for Exceptional Service and a
Patriotism Award, both from the Association of the United States Army,
six Army Civilian Achievement Medals, and the Army Sustained Superior
Performance Award; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Raymond P. Aalbue was acknowledged as the Civil-
ian of the Year at the United States Army's New York City Recruiting
Battalion in 1994, and at its Garrison in Fort Hamilton in 1998;
received the 2007 Patriotism Award from the United War Veterans of Kings
County; and was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Under
Secretary of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs; and

WHEREAS, Co-founder of the first Community Emergency Response Team in
New York City, Raymond P. Aalbue holds the position of Vice President of
the United War Veterans of Kings County Memorial Day Parade Committee,
and is a member of both the American Legion Coffey-Wilson Post and the
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 72; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marianne, and his
son, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Raymond P. Aalbue, and to wish him continued success in all his
future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Raymond P. Aalbue.