LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Staff Sergeant Douglas Kechijian upon
the occasion of being named Noncommissioned Officer of the Year

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Staff Sergeant
Douglas Kechijian upon the occasion of being named Noncommissioned Offi-
cer of the Year; and
WHEREAS, A native of Manhasset, New York, Staff Sergeant Douglas
Kechijian is a 2002 graduate of Brown University, and holds a master's
degree in Exercise Physiology and Ph.D. in Physical Therapy from Colum-
bia University; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Douglas Kechijian joined the 106th Rescue wing
shortly after graduating from college; he has displayed both his skill
and bravery as a veteran of multiple deployments to such places as
Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Staff Sergeant Douglas Kechijian serves as a New
York National Guard Airman, and Director of Rehabilitation at Peak
Performance Physical Therapy in New York; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, The Nation's members of the Armed Forces deserve to be recog-
nized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for
their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State
and their Nation; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Staff Sergeant Douglas Kechijian has
displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Staff Sergeant Douglas Kechijian upon the occasion of being named
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Staff Sergeant Douglas Kechijian.