Assembly Resolution No. 963

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

HONORING David B. Combs 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 David B.
Combs 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, Born in Rome, New York, David B. Combs is the son of the
late Vaughn and Edna Combs; he graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1967;
and

WHEREAS, Shortly after graduation, David B. Combs enlisted in the
United States Army; he completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey
and then furthered his training at Fort Gordon, Georgia to become a
telephone lineman; and

WHEREAS, Upon completion of his training, David B. Combs was
assigned to A Company, 37th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade in
DaNang, Vietnam; there, he installed and maintained telephones and
telephone lines in military installations throughout DaNang and its
immediate environs; and

WHEREAS, Serving that Battalion for 18 months, David B. Combs
returned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he completed his tour; he
rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5 before he was honorably discharged; and

WHEREAS, After receiving an honorable discharge, David B. Combs
showed his commitment to his community by joining the Rome Police
Department; he began his career in July of 1971 as a patrolman and was
promoted through every uniform rank to finally retire as Chief of Police
in 1993; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
David B. Combs received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam
Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the New York State Medal for
Merit; and

WHEREAS, Apart from his personal military service, David B. Combs
received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commander of the 174th
Fighter Wing in recognition of designing and constructing over 60 flag
boxes, which were presented to each member of the Squadron upon their
return from Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his fellow
veterans, David B. Combs is a member of the Rome VFW Post 2246,
member/officer of Lee Center American Legion Post 1794, Rome Coin Club,
Point Rock Gun Club, Lee Center Gun Club, Rome Police and Fire
Department Retirees Group, and Lake Delta Kiwanis; 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,
David B. Combs 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 David B. Combs 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 David B. Combs.