Senate Resolution No. 496

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Charlene Robbins upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Four Chaplains
Brotherhood Award by the Jewish War Veterans of the
United States of America, Albany Post No. 105 on
February 24, 2019

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energy and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Charlene Robbins has given not only of her time and energy
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and,
consequently, has been designated for special recognition; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Charlene
Robbins upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Four
Chaplains Brotherhood Award by the Jewish War Veterans of the United
States of America, Albany Post No. 105, celebrated at its 54th Annual
Memorial Service and Brotherhood Award Program on Sunday, February 24,
2019, at the First Reformed Church of Schenectady; and

WHEREAS, The Four Chaplains gave their lives in the sinking of the
troopship Dorchester on February 3, 1943; the Brotherhood Award honors
residents of the Capital District whose services and devotion in the
practice of brotherhood are deserving of recognition; and

WHEREAS, This prestigious honor exists to promote the cause of
"unity without uniformity" by encouraging good will and cooperation
among all people; its vision is to impart the principles of selfless
service to humanity without regard to race, creed, ethnicity or
religion; and

WHEREAS, Charlene Robbins has led a life of service to others in
various forms since her ordination on September 9, 2001, from the
Holistic Studies Seminary Institute in Albany, New York; during this
time she ministered to and comforted first responders and aid workers
following the terror attacks at the World Trade Center on September
11th; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman is a Gold Star Mother of Army
Staff Sergeant Thomas Robbins, who died in action in Iraq on February 9,
2004, attempting to save the lives of his soldiers during a mortar
explosion; it was the intersection of these two elements of her life
that inspire her steadfast efforts today; and

WHEREAS, Charlene Robbins was recognized in 2005 as a Grand Marshal
by the City of Albany Memorial Day Parade, participating on her son's
behalf; her introduction to the wider veterans' community 13 years ago
sparked her action and support, bringing spiritual leadership, empathy,
comfort and peacefulness to the many veteran and civic events she
supports; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Charlene Robbins is Chaplain of
the TriCounty Council of Vietnam Era Veterans as well as for countless
community programs and events, including the monthly Albany County
Honor-A-Veteran program, The Albany County Honor-A-Living Veteran
program, Albany High School Junior ROTC, the City of Albany Memorial and
Veterans Day parades and the Town of Colonie Annual Memorial Day
Service; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Charlene Robbins has
displayed throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the vitality and well-being of their community and its citizens,
and have shown a long and sustained commitment to humanitarianism, have
certainly earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Charlene Robbins upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award by the Jewish War Veterans of
the United States of America, Albany Post No. 105 on February 24, 2019;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Charlene Robbins.