LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Karen M. Eckert upon the occasion
of her designation for special recognition by the Amherst Museum's
Women's Interclub Council

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Karen M. Eckert upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Amherst Museum's Women's Interclub Council; this
auspicious occasion will be observed in conjunction with the Museum's
Annual Women's History Month Celebration, to be held on Saturday, March
26, 2011; and
WHEREAS, As a result of the tragic loss of her sister, Beverly Eckert,
on Continental Flight 3407, Karen M. Eckert of Williamsville, New York,
became an extraordinarily effective advocate for the improvement of
airline safety; her tireless efforts culminated in the Airline Improve-
ment and FAA Extension Act of 2010 which became law on August 1, 2010;
and
WHEREAS, A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo,
Phi Beta Kappa, Karen M. Eckert retired in 2009 after 37 years with the
United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (formerly the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
Service); and
WHEREAS, While serving as a policy officer with the U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 2006-2009, Karen M. Eckert was
responsible for international adoption/children citizenship issues; she
was assigned overseas to Romania, Vietnam and Russia during adoption
crises; her other overseas assignments were to China, Hong Kong, Germa-
ny, Austria, Thailand and Italy; and
WHEREAS, One of the first female immigration officers at Rainbow
Bridge in Niagara Falls, New York, Karen M. Eckert rose to Deputy
Assistant District Director for Adjudications of the U.S. Immigration
and Naturalization Service (INS)/Buffalo District; and
WHEREAS, Karen M. Eckert was instrumental in establishing the first
national child citizenship office in Buffalo, New York, which issues
thousands of certificates of citizenship for newly arrived adopted chil-
dren from overseas; and
WHEREAS, Among the many awards earned by Karen M. Eckert throughout
her distinguished career are the: National Silver Medal by the Depart-
ment of Homeland Security; Angel in Adoption Award by the Congressional
Coalition on Adoption, Inc.; INS Supervisor of the Year Award by the
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service; and Federal Manager of the
Year Award by the Buffalo Federal Executive Board; she is also the
recipient of a Distinguished Alumnae Award from Sacred Heart Academy;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Karen M. Eckert received the BUFFALO NEWS Citi-
zen of the Year Award as a member of "Families of Continental Flight
3407"; and
WHEREAS, Karen M. Eckert and her husband, Michael Procknal, are the
proud parents of three sons: Michael, Steven and David; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Karen M. Eckert has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Karen M. Eckert has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Karen M. Eckert upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Amherst Museum's Women's Interclub Council;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Karen M. Eckert, 98 Sherbrooke Avenue, Williamsville, New
York 14221.