Senate Resolution No. 3062

BY: Senator COMRIE

HONORING Lester R. Muse, Jr. for his many years of
dedicated community service to Southeast Queens, New
York, by V.E.T.S. Inc. on August 4, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lester R. Muse, Jr. for his many years of dedicated community service to
Southeast Queens, New York, by V.E.T.S. Inc., to be celebrated at a
Dinner Dance on Friday, August 4, 2017, at Thomasina's in Queens; and

WHEREAS, V.E.T.S. Inc., is a non-profit organization based in Queens
which opened a 10-bed residential facility for formerly displaced
veterans; and

WHEREAS, One of New York's most decorated veterans, Sergeant Lester
R. Muse, Jr. proudly served his country as a member of the United
States Army for more than 11 years, including 34 months of active combat
in the Republic of Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Lester R. Muse, Jr. was awarded
the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star "V" for Valor, Purple Heart, Air
Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze
Stars, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm;
and

WHEREAS, A graduate of MACV Recondo School, 5th Special Forces,
Lester R. Muse, Jr. served as a Drill Instructor at Fort Dix, New
Jersey; for his outstanding leadership, he was awarded the National
Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharge, Lester R. Muse, Jr. worked
for the United States Postal Service, retiring as Supervisor of
Distribution Operations; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his awards and accolades, in 2010, Lester R.
Muse, Jr. was inducted into the Veterans' Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Lester R. Muse, Jr. held the esteemed position of Director
of Veteran Affairs for former New York State Senator Shirley Huntley; in
this capacity, he assisted veterans throughout the state, ensuring they
receive proper care, benefits and treatment; additionally, he advised
the New York State Senate on policy and legislative issues relating to
veterans; and

WHEREAS, He was also the Director of Veteran Affairs for Senator
Malcolm A. Smith, the former Majority Leader & President Pro Tempore of

the New York State Senate; in this role he created and implemented an
extremely successful "Send A Vet A Valentine" Program; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the livelihood of veterans, Lester R. Muse,
Jr. is a lifelong member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Lester R. Muse, Jr. demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Those individuals, who have given so selflessly of their
skills and dedication, are worthy and due full recognition for their
valued contributions on behalf of their country and its ideals,
upholding the patriotic character and principled ideals of organizations
in service to their fellowman; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lester R. Muse, Jr. for his many years of dedicated community
service to Southeast Queens, New York, and to wish him a very Happy 70th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lester R. Muse, Jr.