LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert Forster upon the occasion of
receiving the Men of Vision Award from St. John the Baptist Diocesan
High School on June 15, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Robert Forster upon the occasion of receiving the Men of Vision Award
from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School at its 2010 Gentlemen's
Dinner to be held at The Riverview in Oakdale, New York, on Tuesday,
June 15, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Robert Forster has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to both his profession and communi-
ty; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Robert Forster founded Island Steel & Detailing
Corp., a company focused primarily on structural steel fabrication and
detailing, with its headquarters located in Manorville, New York; and
WHEREAS, Robert Forster started his esteemed career working at Vulcan
Iron Works, Inc., a structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication and
erection company, which was started by his grandfather in 1933; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his high school and college years, Robert Forster
worked at various jobs for Vulcan and eventually became Vice President;
his determination and hard work helped Vulcan and Island Steel grow into
the stable and successful construction companies they are today,
completing projects in the Tri-State area and as far away as Colorado;
and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Robert Forster has been
called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Robert Forster carries his determination and hard work onto
the soccer field; he has been a coach for St. John Nepomucene CYO for
the past 13 years and earned the Coach of the Year award in 2009; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Robert Forster is a member of the St. John the
Baptist Diocesan High School Board of Advisors and its Development
Committee; his expertise and generosity were instrumental in the reno-
vation of the school's bleachers this fall; and
WHEREAS, Robert Forster graduated from Walt Whitman High School in
1980 and attended SUNY Farmingdale and Polytechnic University; he is
married to Barbara (Baran '81) and has two children, James '08 and Aman-
da '10; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Robert Forster has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Robert Forster has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 Robert Forster upon the occasion of receiving the Men of Vision
Award from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School on June 15, 2010;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Forster.