LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly,
ANC upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distin-
guished service to the 244th Medical Clinic, New York Guard

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who devote their lives to military service merit
the commendation and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire
State for their dedication and sacrifices which ensure our continued
role as a Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly, ANC upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service to the 244th
Medical Clinic, New York Guard, to be celebrated at its Annual Reception
and Retirement Dinner at Tre Angelina Restaurant in Monroe, New York, on
Sunday, April 29, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1917, the New York Guard is an all-volunteer,
unpaid component of the state's military forces; its mission is to
augment state military forces and support civil authorities within the
state; and
WHEREAS, The 244th Medical Clinic is the principal, centrally located
medical asset of the New York Guard; with approximately 35 members, the
soldiers and officers of the 244th Medical Clinic are unpaid volunteer
physicians, surgeons, psychiatrists, dentists, nurses, psychologists,
paramedics, and experts in emergency planning and response, among other
professionals; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Grand Island and a registered professional
nurse, Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly joined the New York Guard on
February 26, 1991, as a Major and was placed on the State Retired list
with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on February 24, 2012, after over 20
years of exemplary service to his State; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly was the chief nursing
officer of the 244th Medical Clinic, New York Guard; and
WHEREAS, Over his many years of unpaid, voluntary duty in the New York
Guard, Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly has provided many thousands
of dollars of service value to the state; and
WHEREAS, Emblematic of his long devotion to the well-being of his
fellow citizens and his state, Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly has
traveled for many years over 370 miles each way at his own expense to
attend drills at Camp Smith in Westchester County; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly has been decorated many
times for superior achievement and service, including the New York Guard
Meritorious Service Medal, and the Commander's Citation and Achievement
Medal for his quick and effective action that saved the life of a fellow
soldier who had suffered an anaphylactic reaction to multiple hornet
stings; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly was six
times awarded the New York Guard Operations Support Medal, in recogni-
tion of his service in support of the National Guard; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly was also the recipient
of the New York State Defense of Liberty Medal, recognizing his service
in the September 11, 2001 emergency, as well as recipient of the New
York State Long and Faithful Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a blending of strength,
leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Lieutenant

Colonel Peter E. Connelly over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly, ANC upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service to the 244th
Medical Clinic, New York Guard; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lieutenant Colonel Peter E. Connelly, ANC.