Senate Resolution No. 3051

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Veteran Rick Falcone upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Lake
Delta Kiwanis Club on May 19, 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 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 Veteran Rick
Falcone upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club to be celebrated at a dinner on Tuesday, May
19, 2020, at Delta Lake Inn, Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, Rick Falcone is being recognized for devoting much of his
time and energies to getting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Lake
Delta Kiwanis Club; and

WHEREAS, Rick Falcone enlisted in the United States Navy in April of
1969, and attended both Boot Camp and Engineman "A" School in Great
Lakes, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Following Boot Camp, Rick Falcone was stationed at Mare
Island, Vallejo, California, where he attended special boat school and
weapons training; he also went to Survival School - (S.E.R.E) on Whidbey
Island, Washington State; and

WHEREAS, Rick Falcone volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam,
arriving there in January of 1970; he was first assigned to River
Division 571 before being transferred to River Division 573 in May of
that same year; and

WHEREAS, Seven months later, he returned to the United States where
he was assigned to USS Desoto County (LST 1171) Little Creek Amphibious
Base in Virginia, and then to USS Ponce (LPD) 15) in Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, Rick Falcone was honorably discharged in April of 1973; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Rick
Falcone received numerous medals and commendations, including: Purple
Heart w/sword (2 Purple Hearts), Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat V,
National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 bronze stars, Republic
of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions
Medal w/palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960, Combat action
ribbons, Navy Expert Rifle Medal, and Navy Expert Pistol Medal; and

WHEREAS, Rick Falcone founded the Mohawk Valley Chapter 708 in 1992,
and served as its President until 2008; he also formed the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Fund in 2004, serving as President since its

inception; furthermore, he served for two years as President of the Rome
Veterans Council; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Rick Falcone is a Life Member of
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Royal Order
of the Purple Heart; and a member of both the Ukrainian Veterans and
Men's Club and the Frank J. Stecko Post; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Rick Falcone demonstrates his love for his country and merits
forevermore, the highest respect of this 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
Veteran Rick Falcone upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club on May 19, 2020; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rick Falcone.