LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ben Sudduth for his countless accom-
plishments and outstanding contributions he has made to both his State
and his Nation

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ben Sudduth
for his countless accomplishments and outstanding contributions he has
made to both his State and his Nation; and
WHEREAS, Ben Sudduth became a citizen of the Town of Westport in 1989;
prior to that, he honorably served his country as a member of the United
States Marines from 1984 until 1989, as an Expeditionary Air Field Tech-
nician and an Embassy Guard in Bonn, Germany; and
WHEREAS, After completing his tour of duty in the Marines, Ben Sudduth
enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves, serving as a Fire-
fighter with the 933rd Civil Engineer Squadron at Griffiss Air Force
Base in Rome, New York, until it closed in 1994; and
WHEREAS, During Desert Storm, Ben Sudduth was deployed December of
1991, serving state side at both Griffiss Air Force Base and Grissom Air
Force Base in Indiana until June of 1992; and
WHEREAS, Two years later, he was transferred to Westover Air Reserve
Base, located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and served with the 439th
Civil Engineer Squadron until 1999, when he was once again transferred
to the Vermont Air National Guard where he remains active with the 158th
Fighter Wing; and
WHEREAS, In March of 2002, Ben Sudduth was deployed to Afghanistan and
served during Operation Enduring Freedom until January of 2003; upon his
return, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Vermont Air
National Guard Hometown Salute; and
WHEREAS, Giving back to the community he loves so much, Ben Sudduth is
a member of the Westport Fire Department where he serves as the Training
Officer; he also belongs to the Westport Emergency Squad, faithfully
serving as its Captain as well as an EMT; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Ben
Sudduth demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore,
the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Unselfishly giving to the citizens of his town, Ben Sudduth,
without hesitation, gave one of his kidneys, the "gift of life", to a
teenage girl in her senior year of high school who was diagnosed with a
rare disease; the unremitting generosity and impressive dedication shown
by this man for the benefit of others is immeasurable; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Nicole, and their two
daughters, Mallory and Megan, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ben Sudduth for his countless accomplishments and outstanding

contributions he has made to both his State and his Nation; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ben Sudduth, Westport, New York.