LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan
for his distinguished service as a member of the United States Army

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan for his distinguished service as a
member of the United States Army, and to welcome him home from combat
service in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan was born and raised in
Bardonia, New York, and graduated from Clarkstown South High School in
1990; and
WHEREAS, A 1994 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Lieu-
tenant Colonel Michael Sullivan received a Bachelor of Science degree in
Psychology and Systems Engineering; after graduation, he was commis-
sioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the Regular Army; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan's first active duty
assignment was with the 82nd Airborne Division where he served with the
3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment as a Rifle Platoon
Leader and Company Executive Officer; and
WHEREAS, In November of 1999, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan
deployed to Kosovo in support of peace and stability operations while
serving as an Assistant Battalion Operations Officer in the 1st Battal-
ion, 63rd Armor Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division; and
WHEREAS, In June of 2000, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan took
command of A Company, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment in Vilseck,
Germany, and subsequently took command of Headquarters Company, 1st
Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan deployed to Iraq in
February of 2004, and served as an Advisor for the 6th Iraqi Army
Battalion, Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT), Kirkush,
Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan served recently in combat
as the Squadron Operations Officer for the 5th Squadron, 7th United
States Cavalry with area responsibility to include the Rasheed District
of Baghdad and then the Brigade Operations Officer for the 1st Brigade,
3rd Infantry Division (Rock of the Marne) located at Forward Operating
Base Falcon and later Camp Liberty, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable soldier distinguished himself during combat
and while in command, receiving numerous military decorations including
the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Peace Keeping Medal, the Meritorious
Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, the
Bronze Star Medal, and two Army Achievement Medals; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, in 2002, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan was
awarded the esteemed Department of the Army Douglas A. MacArthur Leader-
ship Award and the Department of the Army Connelly Cup; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his military service, Lieutenant Colonel
Michael Sullivan documented the day-to-day experiences of a soldier's
life in Iraq in over 40 columns for his hometown newspaper, THE JOURNAL
NEWS; and

WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan's column informed the
people of Rockland County and surrounding communities of the fear, risks
and day-to-day combat activities of his unit's mission in Iraq, docu-
menting both the victories and tragedies, and telling of his experiences
during the combat operations as well as the transition to a new role of
supporting the Iraqi Army while performing his duties as a Squadron and
a Brigade Operations Officer; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan's distinguished service
in the United States Army, and particularly during Operation Iraqi Free-
dom, has provided the blessings of freedom and security to the Iraqi
people while providing informative dispatches to the people of Rockland
County and the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan has demonstrated his love for his
country and merits, forevermore, the highest respect of his State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan for his distinguished
service as a member of the United States Army, and to welcome him home
from combat service in Iraq; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lieutenant Colonel Michael Sullivan.