LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Commander John Young upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the 2015 Veteran of the Year Award by
the Fulton Veterans Council

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 Commander John
Young of the American Legion Post 587 upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of the 2015 Veteran of the Year Award by the Fulton
Veterans Council; and
WHEREAS, The respected Veteran of the Year Award recognizes individ-
uals who have served honorably in the military, as well as those who
have contributed to the betterment of their community after being
discharged; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Gouverneur, New York, John Young proudly served his
country as a Radar Operator in the United States Air Force for four
years during the height of the Cold War; he attended Basic Training at
Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, and then attended Radar School at
Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, After his training, John Young was assigned to the 17th Air
Force, 86th Air Division, and was part of the 603rd Air Craft & Warning
Squadron headquartered at the Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, control-
ling the border between East and West Germany; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service in West Germany, John Young
received the American Defense Medal; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, John Young
returned to the United States, and began working for General Motors; he
officially retired from Goulds Pumps Incorporated, Auburn, New York; and
WHEREAS, For the past five years, John Young has served as Commander
at Post 587, Fulton, New York, and holds the title of Service Officer
for the Fulton Veterans Council; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, John Young is responsible for ordering the
flags for the city's local VFW and American Legion, and placing them on
the grave markers of the veterans laid to rest in Fulton's seven ceme-
teries; and
WHEREAS, In his spare time, John Young enjoys giving veterans rides to
the VA Medical Center for their appointments, and delivering gifts to
the families of hospitalized veterans during the holidays and partic-
ipating in veteran ceremonies in the city of Fulton and Oswego county;
and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his two devoted daughters,
Kelly and Kendra, his cherished granddaughter, Alexandra, and, his fian-
cee Donna West Kestner, Army Veteran and member of Fulton Post 587, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, John
Young has demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore,
the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Commander John Young upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2015 Veteran of the Year Award by the Fulton Veterans
Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Commander John Young.