Senate Resolution No. 2239

BY: Senator ASHBY

RECOGNIZING the Patriot Guard Riders of New York
for their Honor Missions in March of 2024, which
consisted of funeral escort services and flag lines
for the memorials of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey
Frankoski and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia
III

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and 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
recognize the Patriot Guard Riders of New York for their Honor Missions
In March of 2024, which consisted of funeral escort services and flag
lines for the memorials of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski and
Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia III in Rensselaer and Schenectady,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Patriot Guard Riders was founded in 2005 to shield families
of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt the services of their
loved ones; although originally founded in Kansas, the organization has
grown to include thousands of members across all 50 states in the U.S.;
New York State began organizing its sect in 2006 and became a non-profit
corporation in 2010; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Patriot Guard Riders is to attend the
funeral services and stand flag lines for military members, veterans,
and first responders as invited guests of the family, to show respect
and gratitude for those who served, as well as support their families;
the organization's flag lines may be present at airport arrivals,
funeral homes, churches, dignified transfers, and at burials or
internments; and

WHEREAS, The current New York State Captain Bill Schaaf's and
Assistant State Captain Ray Sestak's commitment to honoring the fallen
and all wounded veterans and first responders is beyond compare; and
where their countless endeavors also include raising funds for Wreaths
Across America, and most importantly, organizing civilian volunteers to
place wreaths in National Cemeteries; and

WHEREAS, Patriot Guard Riders of New York supports the military,
veterans, and Blue and Gold Star New York State families through its
Help On The Homefront (HOTH) program; this esteemed organization honors
those "forgotten" veterans who have no family to claim their remains by
securing a final resting place and arranging for a full military funeral
through its Veteran Recovery Program; 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
recognize the Patriot Guard Riders of New York for their Honor Missions
in March of 2024, which consisted of funeral escort services and flag
lines for the memorials of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski and
Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia III in Rensselaer and Schenectady,
New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Patriot Guard Riders of New York.