Senate Resolution No. 2554

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Howard J. Johnson Jr. posthumously upon
the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran
Ceremony on February 3, 2020

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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Howard J.
Johnson Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony to
be celebrated on Monday, February 3, 2020, at the Zaloga Post No. 1520,
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany
County Veterans Bureau, known as the Albany County Honor a Veteran
Committee, created to honor a deceased Albany County veteran who served
his country in time of conflict; the Honor a Veteran Program takes place
on the first Monday of each month; and

WHEREAS, Howard J. Johnson Jr. was born on November 26, 1950, in
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, In February 1968, Howard J. Johnson Jr. enlisted in the
United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Military; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Howard
J. Johnson Jr. was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense
Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in March of
1970, Howard J. Johnson Jr. was employed with Project Strive and Parsons
Child and Family Center in Albany, New York, where he worked in Human
Services helping at risk youth; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Howard J. Johnson Jr., served on a
congressional commission regarding Veterans and made testimony regarding
issues that impacted Veterans and their families to the United States
Congress; and

WHEREAS, In his free time, Howard J. Johnson Jr. enjoyed fishing,
chess, art, music, theater, cooking, and playing cards; he also enjoyed
trips to the Saratoga Race Track, Cape Cod, and Nantucket; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was a proud member of the Marine Corps
Leathernecks Motorcycle Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tri-County
Council Vietnam Era Veterans, and Disabled American Veterans; and

WHEREAS, Howard J. Johnson Jr. died on June 15, 2019, at the age of
68; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Howard J. Johnson Jr. 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 Howard J. Johnson Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a
Veteran Ceremony on February 3, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Howard J. Johnson Jr.