LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Petty Officer Third Class Andrew Witruke
in recognition of his heroic actions in saving the lives of two Marine
Corps Pilots

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize the
brave and heroic acts of those men and women in military service who
take prompt action in fulfilling their duties, and in doing so, help
others to avoid or escape life-threatening danger; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Witruke, a Petty Officer Third Class in the service of
the United States Coast Guard, is one such distinguished Guardsman; and
WHEREAS, On March 10, 2010, two United States Marine Corps aviators,
involved in a training mission, were forced to eject from their F/A-18D
Hornet aircraft after encountering engine trouble; the Marines were
rescued from the Atlantic Ocean by the four-member Coast Guard rescue
crew, on which Andrew Witruke served as flight mechanic; both Marines
safely arrived home due to the swiftness and effectiveness of the Coast
Guard's response to the incident; and
WHEREAS, The United States Coast Guard, the oldest continuing seagoing
service, cultivates in its members the values of honor, respect and
devotion to duty; Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Witruke, through his
work as flight mechanic on the crew of an HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicop-
ter, exhibits the highest level of these values; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer Third Class Andrew Witruke has risen through
the Coast Guard's enlisted ranks, and recently was distinguished as a
Flight Mechanic following rigorous specialized training; with the Flight
Mechanic designation, Petty Officer Third Class Witruke showed the
in-depth knowledge, maturity, composure and keen judgment required to
receive his wings, and therefore to qualify to fly on rescue missions;
and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Olean High School, Andrew Witruke developed his
work ethic through employment with McDonald's restaurant during high
school, as a model for the retail store Hollister Company, and in a
school in Florida; and
WHEREAS, Embarking on a new adventure, Petty Officer Third Class
Andrew Witruke and his wife, Andrea, expect the birth of their first
child in August 2010; and
WHEREAS, Petty Officer Third Class Andrew Witruke, through his heroic
actions, demonstrated his professionalism and courage, his mastery of
his duties and his commitment to ensuring the safety of others, thereby
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective dedication of
members of the United States Coast Guard, who respond when others are in
need of help; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Petty Officer Third Class Andrew Witruke in recognition of his
heroic actions in saving the lives of United States Marine Corps Pilot,
Major Duane Litpak, and Weapons Officer, Captain Jonathan Hutchison; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Andrew Witruke.