Assembly Resolution No. 718

BY: M. of A. Angelino

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Reserve
Organization of America

WHEREAS, Members of our Armed Forces 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 peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the
Reserve Organization of America and to pay tribute to its members for
their outstanding contributions to our Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
100th Anniversary of the Reserve Organization of America; and

WHEREAS, Since 1922, the Reserve Officers Association of the United
States, now known as the Reserve Organization of America (ROA) to
reflect its all-ranks membership, has championed the cause of the
Reserve Components at home and in war; and

WHEREAS, The evolution of that mission has helped protect the rights
and benefits of individual members of the Reserve force and their
families, while preserving a strong and capable Reserve force as a
critical component to our national security; ROA continues to serve the
Reserve and National Guard in an era where the need is greater than ever
before; and

WHEREAS, The founders of ROA, veterans of World War I, believed
America was vulnerable to return to its pre-war unpreparedness;
determined to help prevent the very unreadiness they had experienced,
140 officers gathered with General of the Armies John J. "Black Jack"
Pershing at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., and on October 2,
1922, formally established ROA; and

WHEREAS, As the political and national security context changed over
a century, ROA has remained steadfastly committed to its original
mission to support and assist in the development and execution of a
military policy for the United States which shall provide adequate
National Defense; and

WHEREAS, Between the world wars, through the Cold War, into the
current era, and throughout shifting political influences, ROA has been
a prominent voice in the cause of preparedness; and

WHEREAS, The association's earliest campaign was for a strong corps
of Reserve officers who could help the nation rebuild its Army should
the need arise; and

WHEREAS, The farsighted vision and tenacity of these WWI veterans
laid the foundation for the success of the Army's massive growth to
defeat tyranny in Europe and Asia; and

WHEREAS, President Harry S. Truman, one of ROA's early members and a
combat veteran of WWI who served in both the Army National Guard and the
Army Reserve, signed the charter on June 30, 1950; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding and earning its charter, ROA has
effectively advocated on behalf of all members of the Reserve and
National Guard; and

WHEREAS, For 100 years ROA has been the only organization solely
dedicated to supporting the Reserve Components and their critical role
in national defense; and

WHEREAS, With a focus on support of the Reserve and Guard, ROA
promotes the interests of Reserve Component members, their families, and
veterans of Reserve service, and conducts a legislative campaign which
ensures the readiness of our Reserve force; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, ROA provides the tools, resources, support,
education, and advocacy Reservists and their families need to succeed,
in and out of uniform; and

WHEREAS, The Reserve Organization of America and the Department of
New York Reserve Organization of America are the only all ranks, all
services, military service organization for the Reserve and National
Guard, also known as the Reserve components, in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Today, this vital organization leads the nation's efforts
to ensure the Reserve Components are strong and ready, and Reserve
Component families are well cared for; and

WHEREAS, The 100th Anniversary of the Reserve Organization of
America is a living testament to its indomitable heritage; and

WHEREAS, Through its long and sustained commitment to the ideals and
principles upon which this beloved Nation was first founded, the Reserve
Organization of America has unselfishly advanced that spirit of united
purpose and shared concern which is the unalterable manifestation of our
American experience; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Reserve Organization of America on its 100th Anniversary,
and to pay tribute to its members for their outstanding contributions to
our Nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Reserve Organization of America.