Senate Resolution No. 3342

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Captain Sean Patrick O'Brien CHC upon
the occasion of his retirement after 29 years of
dedicated service to the United States Navy

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Captain Sean Patrick O'Brien CHC
upon the occasion of his retirement after 29 years of dedicated service
to the United States Navy

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize those remarkable individuals who honorably and courageously
serve their country in order to protect the life and liberty of our
citizens, and whose military service, professional lives, and civic
endeavors serve to enhance the stature of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Captain Sean Patrick O'Brien CHC upon the occasion of his
retirement after 29 years of dedicated service to the United States Navy
to be celebrated on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at the Rome Elks Club,
Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, Sean Patrick O'Brien was born in Binghamton, New York in
1965, the son of John Francis and Donna (Tompkins) O'Brien and the elder
brother of Maureen; he graduated from Vestal Senior High School in 1983;
and

WHEREAS, After studying at Herkimer County Community College to
become a radio announcer, Sean Patrick O'Brien decided to apply for
seminary school and was accepted by the Diocese of Syracuse; after three
years at Wadham's Hall in Ogdensburg, New York, he finished Major
Seminary at St. Mary's in Baltimore, Maryland and was ordained into the
priesthood on June 5, 1993; and

WHEREAS, Father Sean Patrick O'Brien joined the United States Navy
in 1991, valiantly serving his country in five tours overseas as a
member of the Chaplain Corps; his mobilizations and deployments played a
key role in aiding Operation Iraqi Freedom 2002-2003, Operation Enduring
Freedom-Afghanistan 2007, and Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) 2014- 2015;
perhaps his most notable assignment was the 9/11 relief efforts after
the terrorist attacks in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Father Sean Patrick
O'Brien brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and
compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment in conducting his
administrative and spiritual duties, while always displaying the highest
standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to serving his
country, Father Sean Patrick O'Brien has been honored with many
auspicious awards, some of which include the Defense Meritorious Service
Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal and Navy
Achievement Medal (3); and

WHEREAS, In his free time, this man of God and Country can be found
touring in his Model T Ford, boating on Kayuta Lake, riding vintage
snowmobiles and playing fiddle with his friends; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Individuals who dedicate their lives to military service
merit the commendation and applause of all citizens for their commitment
to the preservation of American freedom; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Captain Sean Patrick O'Brien CHC upon the occasion of his
retirement after 29 years of dedicated service to the United States
Navy; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Captain Sean Patrick O'Brien CHC.