Senate Resolution No. 2813

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING James Ray upon the occasion of his
retirement after more than 37 years of distinguished
service to the United States Air Force

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; 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate James Ray upon the occasion of his retirement more than 37
years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force, to be
celebrated with a Party in his honor on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the
Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, James Ray is retiring after more than 15 years of dedicated
Civilian Federal Service and more than 22 years of honorable active duty
service as a member of the United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, James Ray graduated from
Bradford Area High School; he went on to attend the University of
Pittsburgh-Bradford Campus; and

WHEREAS, James Ray began his illustrious military career with the
United States Air Force in November of 1982; after completing basic
training, he attended technical training at Keesler Air Force Base in
Mississippi, before his first official assignment at Wheeler Air Force
Base in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, While stationed in Hawaii, James Ray returned to
Pennsylvania to marry the love of his life, Denai; the couple spend
three wonderful years together in Hawaii before he was transferred to
Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, followed by Griffiss Air Force
Base; and

WHEREAS, After the closing of Griffiss Air Force Base, James Ray
enjoyed numerous Temporary Duty Assignments in various locations across
the globe during his military career, but in 2005, he and Denai decided
to retire from active duty and call Rome home; and

WHEREAS, James Ray worked as a substitute teacher in several local
schools, including Utica, New Hartford, Holland Patent, Oriskany, and
Rome; he covered classes from Kindergarten to AP Physics, a true test of
his academic acumen; and

WHEREAS, After taking a position with the Air Force Research
Laboratory in Rome, James Ray was requested to fill the position of
Commander's Support Staff Superintendent, where he continued to excel,
ensuring all military personnel needs were met; and


WHEREAS, James Ray climbed the ranks to become a Protocol Officer;
in this capacity he was tasked with assembling a team to assist with
visits from the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), a panel of subject
matter experts who are sent to review the laboratory's programs to
ensure compliance and relevance; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, James Ray led the Information Directorate
through numerous high level distinguished visitors, including two from
the Secretary of the Air Force, two Under Secretary of the Air Force,
members of Congress, and several high-ranking international visitors;
and

WHEREAS, With a vast knowledge of the local area and the significant
contacts he has made throughout his time at the Information Directorate,
James Ray has been instrumental in recognizing the type of support base,
civic, county, industry and academic organizations can provide, and
which individuals can do what has proven vital numerous times throughout
his career; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, he has an effective and supportive rapport
with local politicians, providing an open-door policy between the
Directorate and their offices; and

WHEREAS, As the Directorate's representative on the Rome Chamber of
Commerce Board, James Ray keeps the community abreast of happenings
within the laboratory and the Air Force while at the same time keeping
the laboratory leadership on community events; and

WHEREAS, Striving to excel, James Ray pursued a Master's degree in
Organizational Leadership which he completed part time in just under
three years; during this time, he was also the head diving coach at
Hamilton College where he ran a diving club for competitive divers from
the local area; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to serving his
country, James Ray has inspired countless military personnel, truly
earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Denai, and their
two children, Joshua and Erin, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism, James Ray has 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
congratulate James Ray upon the occasion of his retirement after more
than 37 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force,
and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James Ray.