LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Gregg David Wenzel, 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, Gregg David Wenzel was killed working as a CIA Clandestine
Officer on July 9, 2003, at the age of 33, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and
WHEREAS, Gregg Wenzel distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
society; and
WHEREAS, Born in Manhattan on November 18, 1969, Gregg Wenzel spent
his childhood years in the Bronx and in Monroe, New York; a graduate of
Monroe-Woodbury High School in 1987, he earned his college degree at the
State University of New York at Binghamton in 1991; in addition, he
studied abroad at Tel Aviv University and received his Juris Doctor from
the University of Miami School of Law in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Gregg Wenzel was a police academy instructor for the Miami-
Dade Community College-North Campus School of Justice and Safety Admin-
istration, Assistant Public Defender for Dade County, and also served on
the Florida Bar Counsel where he tried Supreme Court Cases; in addition,
he was a ten-time marathon runner and finisher, three-time Ironman
finisher, and a Leukemia Lymphoma Society Team Trainer, as well as a
world traveler taking photos; and
WHEREAS, Gregg Wenzel was affiliated with many organizations, some of
which include Chabad, the University of Miami Masters Swimming, the
Florida Bar Speakers Bureau, the Florida State and Federal Bar (Southern
District), FACDL, Dade County Bar Association (Young Lawyer's Division),
and the Civil Litigation Committee (DCBA); and
WHEREAS, An officer in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Gregg
Wenzel was a graduate of the first post-9/11 training class; a former
public defender, he sought a career with the CIA in order to both serve
his country, and to live for a purpose greater than himself; and
WHEREAS, After Gregg Wenzel's death, his name was inscribed in the
CIA's Book of Honor and the 81st Star on the Memorial Wall in the Agen-
cy's Headquarters; this induction provides an enduring reminder to all
CIA employees and those who visit its Headquarters of both his dedicated
service and patriotic sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, Gregg Wenzel is survived by his parents, Gladys and Mitchell;
his sister, Maura, and her husband, George Liberopoulos; his sister,
Rachel, and her husband, Jay Caplan; his sister, Heather, and her
husband, Ron Sznol; his nephews, Michael, Joshua and Matthew, and niec-
es, Jessica, Gwen and Leah; his uncle, Joe, and his cousins, Allison,
Philip and Julie, and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Gregg David Wenzel, 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 Gregg David Wenzel.