LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to Ronald J. Garan, Jr. for his
career-long service as an astronaut with the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly commend
those outstanding individuals whose lifelong dedication to scientific
research results in ground breaking discoveries which improve the lives
of the citizens of New York State, as well as those of the entire
Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to Ronald J. Garan, Jr. for his career-long service as an astronaut
with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and
WHEREAS, Son of Ronald Garan Sr. and Linda Lichtblau, Ronald J. Garan,
Jr. was born on October 30, 1961; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Roosevelt High School, Yonkers, New York,
Ronald J. Garan, Jr. earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Economics from SUNY College at Oneonta in 1982; he went on to earn a
Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University in 1994, and a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engi-
neering from the University of Florida two years later; and
WHEREAS, From 1984-2009, Ronald J. Garan, Jr. honorably served his
country in the United States Air Force; in a career that spanned over
two decades, he assumed many responsibilities beginning with Second
Lieutenant, and moving up the ranks to a Combat Ready F-16 Pilot,
Instructor Pilot, Evaluator Pilot, Squadron Weapons Officer, F-16 Weap-
ons School Instructor Pilot, Flight Commander, Assistant Operations
Officer, Developmental Test Pilot, Chief F-16 Pilot, Director of the
Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile Combined Test Force, and finally
Operations Officer of the 40th FTS; and
WHEREAS, Selected as a pilot by NASA in July of 2000, Ronald J. Garan,
Jr. completed two years of training and evaluation before he was
assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office Station and Shuttle
Operations Branches; in 2006, he became part of an important exploration
research mission to develop lunar surface exploration procedures and
technological applications in support of our Nation's vision for space
exploration; and
WHEREAS, Ronald J. Garan, Jr. completed his first space flight in 2008
on STS-124 as Mission Specialist 2 for ascent and entry; since then he
has logged over 13 days in space and 20 hours, 32 minutes of Extravehi-
cular Activity (EVA) in three spacewalks; he is currently assigned to
Expedition 27/28 and is scheduled to arrive at the International Space
Station in March of 2011, aboard the Soyuz spacecraft for a six-month
mission; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, this remarkable man has
been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, a few of which
include the Meritorious Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Achievement
Medal, and an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the State Universi-
ty of New York; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his proud parents, his loving
wife, Carmel, and their three sons, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Individuals such as Ronald J. Garan, Jr., who have given so
selflessly of their skills and dedication in performing vital research
to bring us closer to better understanding and protecting our environ-
ment, world and universe, are worthy and due the highest commendation
for their contributions to all of humanity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Ronald J. Garan, Jr. for his career-long service as an astro-
naut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ronald J. Garan, Jr.