2011-J855
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Colonel Allen L. Hershman upon the occa-
sion 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
Colonel Allen L. Hershman 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 approximately 35 members, the
soldiers and officers of the 244th Medical Clinic are volunteer physi-
cians, 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, Colonel Allen L. Hershman, a licensed psychologist and head
of Psychology at Orange County AHRC, currently serves as Commander of
the 244th Medical Clinic; and
WHEREAS, Over the past three years, Colonel Allen L. Hershman has led
the 244th Medical Clinis to unprecedented levels of service to New York
State and its military; and
WHEREAS, After his enlisted service in the United States Navy, and his
retirement from the United States Air Force as a Psychologist Officer,
Colonel Allen L. Hershman entered the then Air Division of the New York
Guard on March 5, 2005, as a Lieutenant Colonel; and
WHEREAS, Under his luminous leadership, the 244th Medical Clinic
gained many new members and forged a vital relationship with the New
York Army National Guard Medical Command (MEDCOM); clinic personnel
worked alongside their MEDCOM counterparts to perform medical and dental
screenings of thousands of troops at Camp Smith, Peekskill, New York;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, the New York Guard's assistance accelerated the
processing of troops and often prevented troop call-backs; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, the Clinic made it possible for psychologists and a
psychiatrist to provide screening for over 300 National Guard soldiers;
the Clinic's volunteer professionals and allied personnel have, in the
last two years, provided assistance, at no cost, to the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a blending of strength,
leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Colonel
Allen L. Hershman over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Colonel Allen L. Hershman upon the occasion of his designation 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 Colonel Allen L. Hershman, Monroe, New York.