LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lieutenant Colonel Joseph McKeegan upon
the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the 244th
Medical Clinic, New York Guard

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 Joseph McKeegan upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the 244th Medical Clinic, New York Guard, to
be celebrated at its Annual Reception and Retirement Dinner at the Vinum
Cafe, Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, New York, on Sunday, March
27, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The 244th Medical Clinic is the principal, centrally located
medical asset of the New York Guard; with an approximate membership of
35, the soldiers and officers of the 244th Medical Clinic are volunteer
physicians, surgeons, psychiatrists, dentists, nurses, psychologists,
paramedics, and experts in emergency planning and response, among other
professionals; and
WHEREAS, The 244th Medical Clinic personnel have worked or currently
work at high levels in federal and regional disaster response units,
including Federal Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, the United States
Public Health Service and Port Authority disaster management; they are
motivated, well-trained and have been organized into teams to support
military and civil authorities in times of crisis; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph McKeegan is a licensed pharmacist
working in the lower Hudson Valley, and a member of the Federal Disaster
Medical Assistance Team NY-2; and
WHEREAS, An expert in complex disaster response operations, Lieutenant
Colonel Joseph McKeegan joined the New York Guard and 244th Medical
Clinic as a Captain on April 30, 2002, and currently serves as its Depu-
ty Commander; and
WHEREAS, Over the past three years, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph McKeegan
has led the 244th Medical Clinic to unprecedented levels of service to
New York State and its military; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph McKeegan has led close cooperation
between the Clinic and the New York Army National Guard Medical Command
(MEDCOM); clinic personnel worked alongside their MEDCOM counterparts to
perform medical and dental screening of thousands of troops at Camp
Smith, Peekskill, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph McKeegan responded to a
request from the New York State Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
(JROTC) to organize the 244th Medical Clinic personnel as civilian
volunteers to provide 24/7 medical supervision for the State's JROTC
field training; and
WHEREAS, The week-long exercise, for over 300 cadets, had been planned
over the course of an entire year; in danger of being canceled, the
effort and personal example of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph McKeegan made
it possible, resulting in positive outcomes benefiting the JROTC
program; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a blending of strength,
leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Lieutenant
Colonel Joseph McKeegan 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 Joseph McKeegan upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition by 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 Joseph McKeegan, Washingtonville, New
York.