LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring former United States Congressman and New
York State Assemblyman Gary A. Lee upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of the prestigious Soaring Eagle Award on May 11, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and this great Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
former New York State Assemblyman and Congressman Gary A. Lee upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the Soaring Eagle Award to
be celebrated on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, in Fort Myers, Florida; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Gary A. Lee has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to government, education, business,
military and community; and
WHEREAS, Gary A. Lee was born on August 18, 1933, in Buffalo, New
York, and attended Corning Northside High School; and
WHEREAS, A Korean War Veteran, Gary A. Lee proudly enlisted in the
United States Navy after completing high school; a valiant sailor, he
was awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal as the outstanding graduate
from the Great Lakes Naval Center; after four years of distinguished
service, he was honorably discharged as a commissioned officer in the
United States Naval Supply Corps; and
WHEREAS, Gary A. Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics
from Colgate University in 1960; he also pursued graduate studies at
both Colgate University and Cornell University; in 1984, he attended the
John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and is the
recipient of an Honorary Degree of Law from Keuka College in New York
State; and
WHEREAS, From 1960-1963, Gary A. Lee taught World History and Problems
of Democracy in the Corning Schools; from 1963-1974, he served the
Cornell University Administration as Dean of Scholarships and Financial
Aid; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary leader, Gary A. Lee was elected to the New York
State Legislature from the 128th District in 1974, serving as a New York
State Assemblyman; after serving two full terms in that office, in 1978
he was elected to the 96th Congress of the United States and was re-e-
lected in 1980; while serving the citizens of the Finger Lakes Region of
New York State in the United States House of Representatives, he was a
member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and on the sub-committees
of Transportation, and Health and Energy; he was also a member of the
House Administration Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his service at the State and National levels,
Gary A. Lee has also served his city, town and county governments; he
was a Councilman for the Town of Dryden as well as Supervisor for the
Town of Dryden; he also served on the Tompkins County Board of Supervi-
sors and was Chairman of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives;
and
WHEREAS, Gary A. Lee served on the Ithaca School District Committee on
Board Candidates and was a Citizenship Counselor for the Boy Scouts;
moreover, he was New York State Municipal Bond Bank Director and a
member of the Finger Lakes Association and the Tompkins County Chamber
of Commerce; he was also Tompkins County Chairman and the New York State
Committeeman for ten years; and

WHEREAS, After leaving Congress in 1983, Congressman Gary A. Lee was a
Corporate Senior Vice President of Government Relations for I.C. Indus-
tries - Whitman Corporation, a Fortune 100 Strategic Management Holding
Company; in 1991, he became President and CEO of the Gary A. Lee Group,
Inc., a governmental consulting organization, having represented several
major corporations in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Gary A. Lee also served 20 years as an outside
director for the Crucible Material Corporation, where he served on the
Executive and Compensation Committees; in recent tenure, he served
actively on the Wake Forest University Graduate School of Business Board
of Visitors; during the academic year of 1993/94, he taught a graduate
course at Georgetown University titled "Inside Congress"; and
WHEREAS, Today, Congressman Gary A. Lee continues with a substantial
interest in community, state and national affairs, with keen attention
to education, governmental affairs and public service; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Gary A. Lee currently serves as Chairman of both
Lee County, Florida and the 14th U.S. Congressional District; he is also
an active member of the Lee County Business People United for Political
Action; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Congressman Gary A. Lee
has compiled an impressive record of civic and charitable service,
including membership with: New York State Masonic Order, American
Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the United States Association of
Former Members of Congress, the United States Capitol Historic Associ-
ation, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Club and the Georgetown Club;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Congressman Gary A. Lee has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his efforts of in-depth magnitude,
Congressman Gary A. Lee has been the recipient of countless awards and
accolades; and
WHEREAS, Gary A. Lee is the father of four children, Karen, Diane,
Brian and Jeffrey, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, A singular asset to all of the citizens he has served in the
community of the State of New York, Congressman Gary A. Lee's life and
career are a portrait of preeminence in public service, and present a
role model for all who aspire to a career in public service; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor former New York State Assemblyman and United States Congressman
Gary A. Lee upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
prestigious Soaring Eagle Award on May 11, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Gary A. Lee.