Assembly Resolution No. 161

BY: M. of A. McMahon

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of Bunkers in
Baghdad

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing and
honoring those individuals and organizations selflessly dedicated to
protecting and improving the health and well-being of our nation's
veterans; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
10th Anniversary of Bunkers in Baghdad; this momentous occasion was
celebrated in October of 2018; and

WHEREAS, Bunkers in Baghdad was founded in 2008, by Joe Hanna, an
avid golfer who leads the sports and entertainment practice at the law
firm Goldberg Segalla; today, he continues to manage its daily
operations, personally sorting, packaging and shipping donated golf
equipment; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, this vital organization has provided
more than 9.7 million golf balls and 765,000 golf clubs to the brave men
and women in the armed forces; its shipments have reached troops and
veterans throughout all 50 states and in 65 countries, including combat
zones, active military installations and VA hospitals; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Bunkers in Baghdad has helped build driving
ranges in Iraq and Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Funded exclusively through donations, Bunkers in Baghdad
has national partnerships with Callaway Golf, Topgolf, and Dick's
Sporting Goods, as well as some of Erie County's most prominent
businesses, including the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Pegula Sports
and Entertainment, Delaware North, Adpro Sports, Rich Products, New Era,
and North American Breweries to name a few; and

WHEREAS, Through its Bunkers Buddies program, the organization has
inspired kids in more than 525 schools nationwide to hold equipment
drives and write thousands of personal letters in support of United
States troops; and

WHEREAS, For some, the golf balls and clubs provided by Bunkers in
Baghdad serve as tools to make their injury rehabilitation routines more
effective and enjoyable; for others, the donated golf equipment provides
a much needed outlet for stress relief and recreation; and

WHEREAS, The success of Bunkers in Baghdad is in direct correlation
to the efforts of Joe Hanna, whose involvement is, and always has been,
characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and
an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of
the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are

brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Bunkers in Baghdad; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joe Hanna, Bunkers in Baghdad.