LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash
upon the occasion of capturing a Gold Medal in the 400-Meter track event
at the 2016 Invictus Games

WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of hard work, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those
exceptional military personnel who distinguish themselves and their
community through both their courageous service and outstanding athletic
performance; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash upon the occasion of capturing a
Gold Medal in the 400-Meter track event at the 2016 Invictus Games held
from May 8-12, 2016, in Orlando, Florida; and
WHEREAS, The Invictus Games is an international Paralympic-style,
multi-sport event created by Prince Harry to host wounded, injured, or
sick military personnel; it features 10 sporting events with athletes
from 15 participating nations; and
WHEREAS, During the 2016 Invictus Games, Staff Sergeant Zachary
Burnash won a Gold Medal in the 400-Meter track event; he also came in
fourth in the 1,500-Meters; and
WHEREAS, A native of Schenectady, New York, Zachary Burnash is the son
of Thomas and Carolyn Burnash and a graduate of Schenectady High School;
and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash has proudly served his country
as a member of the United States Air Force in both Iraq and Afghanistan;
during this time he was awarded a Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation
Medal and the Captain Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award for his heroic
efforts; and
WHEREAS, While on duty in Afghanistan in 2011, this courageous soldier
suffered injuries during an attack by the enemy; with a true commitment
to service, he was able to return to duty with his unit in Afghanistan
two months later as an operations noncommissioned officer; and
WHEREAS, Following his return home, Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash
participated in the adaptive sports program and at the 2015 Air Force
Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, and performed so well that he was
selected to be on the Air Force team; and
WHEREAS, During the Department of Defense's 2015 Warrior Games in
Quantico, Virginia, Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash helped his Air Force
team place third; he also won a Gold Medal in men's 800-meter competi-
tion, and performed well in track, swimming, wheelchair basketball,
sitting volleyball and cycling; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash is an Explosives
Ordnance Disposal noncommissioned officer with the 87th Civil Engineer
Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash, in achieving such high mili-
tary and athletic honors, may take just pride in the inspiration and
contribution to the spirit of excellence he brings to his family,
friends, community and Nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Staff Sergeant
Zachary Burnash, a brave serviceman and extraordinary athlete, recogniz-
ing the tremendous sacrifice of his labors and his selfless dedication
to the defense of freedom and democracy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash upon the occasion of captur-
ing a Gold Medal at the 2016 Invictus Games; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Staff Sergeant Zachary Burnash.