Senate Resolution No. 1097

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

HONORING the distinguished veterans from the State
of New York upon the occasion of their induction
into the New York State Senate 2025 Veterans Hall of
Fame

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 the
distinguished veterans from the State of New York upon the occasion of
their induction into the New York State Senate 2025 Veterans Hall of
Fame; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame inductees
are members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces, which
include Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine Corps; these
exceptional men and women are chosen for this prestigious honor based on
either service in combat or notable work performed after discharge from
the service; and

WHEREAS, The 2025 inductees include: Joaquin Afonso, Jane
Altacho-Davis, Arthur G. Austin, Jr., Lawrence Badger, Vicki Bello,
Richard Bingham, Edward R. Blankenhorn, David Brisbane, Captain Patrick
J. Cassidy, Ventura Colon, John Cooper, Jr., Betsy Crumity, Matthew J.
DeGregorio, Max Donatelli, Marisa Estrella, John Flynn, Brian Garcia,
Frank F. Gee, The Honorable Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor, Dan Guida, Thomas
James Harnisher, Ronnie Hart, James A. Hodges, Sr., Morrison John Hosley
Jr., Detrel Howell, Randy Jurgensen, Michael Kilano, Ted Kniazuk , Frank
LaMarsh, Eladio Lamboy, Aaron Leonard, Daniel Luciano, Louis Lupinacci,
Luke A. Magliaro, Jr., Joseph Bert Mahoney, Benjamin W. Margolius,
Robert McCarthy, Steve Mejia, Private First Class Thomas Francis
Minogue, John W. Mullen Jr., Michael Gerald O'Connor, Louis Joseph
Picarazzi, Thomas Pike, Anthony Rabasco, The Honorable Charles B.
Rangel, Alphonse Joseph Ranni, Bing Crosby Reaves Sr., Salvatore
Riccobono, Gloster Rogers, Patrick R. Rourk, Michele Sardo, Kenya
Lamonte Smith, Robin Michelle Smith, Kevin Swab, Neil D. Thomas, Hector
Vazquez, Scott M. Ward, Patrick Wemitt, Mark Woods, Jr., and Aaron Yi;
and

WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and

WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we, who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, must never forget the courage with which these men and
women served their country; 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 the distinguished veterans from the State of New York upon the
occasion of their induction into the New York State Senate 2025 Veterans
Hall of Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the 2025 inductees.