Senate Resolution No. 1297

BY: Senator RITCHIE

HONORING Major General Walter E. Piatt upon the
completion of his service as Commanding General of
the 10th Mountain Division

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 Major
General Walter E. Piatt upon the completion of his service as Commanding
General of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, with the occasion
marked at a change-of-command ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Fort
Drum's Memorial Park; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Somerset Area High School, Major
General Walter E. Piatt enlisted in the United States Army in 1979 and
served as an infantryman for four years; and

WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt later attended Lock Haven
University in Pennsylvania and graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Biology; in 1987, he then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant;
and

WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt's military education includes
the School of Advanced Military Studies, as well as a fellowship with
the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University's
Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he holds two masters degrees in Military
History and Military Science and an honorary doctorate degree for Public
Service from Lock Haven University; and

WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt served with the 10th Mountain
Division from 1999-2003 as the S3 for 4-31 IN Polar Bears, S3 for the
2nd Commando Brigade, Secretary to the General Staff, Deputy Chief of
Staff and the XO for the 1st Warrior Brigade; he later returned to Fort
Drum to serve as the DCG-S for the 10th Mountain Division from
2012-2013; and

WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt also served in numerous other
assignments across the globe, including tours in Germany, Korea, Panama,
Hawaii and Alaska; furthermore, he completed several operational
deployments including to Suriname, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and
Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Before being named Commanding General of the 10th Mountain
Division, Major General Walter E. Piatt served at the Pentagon as the

Director of Army Operations, Readiness, and Mobilization and then as the
Director of Operations, Army Rapid Capabilities Office; and

WHEREAS, During his time as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain
Division, Major General Walter E. Piatt deployed to Iraq with the
Division's headquarters battalion from March to August of 2018, where he
had the honor of commanding, and ultimately casing, the colors of the
Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command headquarters, with command
transferred to the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve;
and

WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt will be promoted to the rank
of lieutenant general, and assigned to serve in Washington, D.C. as the
Director of Army Staff, handing the command of the 10th Mountain
Division to Major General Brian J. Mennes; and

WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt will forever be known for his
efforts to elevate the 10th Mountain Division to new heights, uphold its
distinct legacy for being thought of as "Mountain Tough," and for
preparing our nation's heroes for whatever missions lie ahead; and

WHEREAS, The North Country community will remember Major General
Walter E. Piatt for his tireless efforts to better connect Fort Drum to
the North Country's civilian community; and

WHEREAS, Although he will be far from the North Country, he will
always be considered a friend, and will be kept in the thoughts and
prayers of many as he moves on to continue serving our nation and
working tirelessly to protect our freedom; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Major General Walter E. Piatt has demonstrated his love for his country
and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 Major General Walter E. Piatt upon the completion of his service
as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Major General Walter E. Piatt.