Senate Resolution No. 1900

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING John J. Conners, Jr. upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Lake
Delta Kiwanis Club and New York State Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Fund on May 18, 2024

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John J.
Conners, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club and New York State Vietnam
Veterans Memorial Fund at their 7th annual Veterans Recognition Dinner
on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at The Beeches Manor in Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, Joining the United States Army on August 11, 1970, John J.
Conners, Jr. received Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Ord for Infantry Training;
and

WHEREAS, John J. Conners, Jr. served bravely in Vietnam from January
10, 1971 to October 1971; he served with Americal Division 23rd
Infantry, as well as the 11th and 198th Infantry Brigade in Chu Li in
the Central Highlands; and

WHEREAS, After serving in Vietnam, John J. Conners, Jr. was
stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado and was honorably discharged February
14, 1972, holding the rank of SP4; and

WHEREAS, On June 15, 1971, John J. Conners, Jr. was wounded in
action and received the Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
John J. Conners, Jr. received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam
Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Bronze Star, and the
Combat Infantry Badge; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his fellow
veterans, John J. Conners, Jr. is a life member of VFW Post 2246 and has
served on the executive board; he served four terms as Commander, and
held the positions of Chaplain, Color Guard, Executive Board, and he
currently serves as 1st Vice Commander; and

WHEREAS, Truly dedicated to his community, John J. Conners, Jr. is
also a member of Henry P. Smith Post American Legion, both VFW and
Legion in Rome, New York, the Rome Veterans Council, the MOPH and DAV;
and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Mary Lou, and their
three beautiful children, Kelly, Sean and Shannon, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
John J. Conners, Jr. 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
honor John J. Conners, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club and New York State
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on May 18, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John J. Conners, Jr.