Senate Resolution No. 2248

BY: Senator THOMAS

COMMENDING Staff Sergeant John C. Gonzalez upon
the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Staff
Sergeant John C. Gonzalez upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant John C. Gonzalez proudly served his country
as a member of both the United States Marine Corps and the United States
Air Force as a helicopter mechanic during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, Arriving in Vietnam on the starting eve of the Tet
Offensive in 1968, Staff Sergeant John C. Gonzalez was wounded as the
attack began; he was then reassigned as a tunnel rat, performing
underground search and destroy missions to flush out the enemy in their
hiding holes which resulted in his capture and an extremely difficult
time as a Prisoner of War; and

WHEREAS, Overcoming much adversity, this brave soldier completed his
military service and returned home in 1973; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Staff
Sergeant John C. Gonzalez was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze
Star; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Staff Sergeant John C. Gonzalez has been a dedicated 46-year
member of the Levittown American Legion Post No. 1711, where he is a
Past Commander and Past County Division Commander; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Staff Sergeant John C. Gonzalez 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;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Staff Sergeant John C. Gonzalez upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Staff Sergeant John C. Gonzalez.