LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers
Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation upon the occasion of hosting
the Lieutenant Dan Band Concert on April 28, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foun-
dation upon the occasion of hosting The Lieutenant Dan Band Concert, to
be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Washington Street Armory in
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The sole purpose of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foun-
dation is to honor the legacy of love given to us by Stephen Siller,
FDNY, who laid down his life on September 11, 2012, by "doing good" in
his name; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
is to follow Stephen's footsteps through support of children who have
lost a parent, firefighters, and military who have been seriously
injured and sacrifice their quality of life in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, Gary Alan Sinise, an American actor, film director and musi-
cian founded the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2010; the foundation is dedi-
cated to serving the Nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first
responders, their families, and those in need; and
WHEREAS, Gary Sinise's work with veterans began in the early 1980s;
his passion in this area was born from his family's deep roots in mili-
tary service and from a desire to contribute following the attacks on
September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, The cornerstone of the Gary Sinise Foundation is "Serving
Honor and Need," which is built upon its founder's life-long principals
and long-standing commitment to be a citizen of action, and to help in
any way that one can, the people who serve our country; and
WHEREAS, Gary Sinise formed the Lieutenant Dan Band with Kimo Williams
in the late 1990s; since then, the band has played an average of 30-40
shows per year with a large majority of those shows performed for the
USO, charities, or benefits; and
WHEREAS, On April 28, 2012, the Lieutenant Dan Band will perform in
honor of New York State's military hero, Technical Sergeant Joseph
Wilkinson; and
WHEREAS, Technical Sergeant Joseph Wilkinson manned the front gates
and conducted mobile patrols around the perimeters of five different
overseas installations in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
WHEREAS, Since coming home, this remarkable soldier has bravely
entered into a more personal battle, facing an undiagnosed medical prob-
lem; and
WHEREAS, With courage and valor, Sergeant Joseph Wilkinson has used
his most recent ailment to reach out to other veterans, via the inter-
net, who are battling similar situations; and
WHEREAS, Noting his sacrifices both at home and abroad, the Stephen
Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation are
proud to dedicate this auspicious occasion in grateful tribute to Tech-
nical Sergeant Joseph Wilkinson, who has devoted his life to preserving
the freedoms and security we cherish as Americans; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
altruistic individuals and organizations it wishes to acknowledge for
their philanthropic contributions to our society which enhance the basic
humanity among us all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Gary
Sinise Foundation upon the occasion of hosting the Lieutenant Dan Band
Concert on April 28, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Gary
Sinise Foundation, and Technical Sergeant Joseph Wilkinson.