Senate Resolution No. 2170

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Timothy Hurley upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Lake
Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome on June 6, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens of the State of New York whose
purposeful lives and exemplary service contribute greatly to the
strength and vitality of their communities and this great Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long- standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Timothy Hurley upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome, to be celebrated on
Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Gone Coastal in Lee Center, New York; and

WHEREAS, Timothy Hurley has demonstrated throughout his life an
unyielding commitment to his country, his family, his fellow veterans,
and the Rome community, earning the admiration and gratitude of all who
know him; and

WHEREAS, A native of Rome, New York, Timothy Hurley graduated from
Rome Free Academy in 1966 at the remarkable age of 16, having attended a
one-room schoolhouse without kindergarten prior to beginning his formal
education; and

WHEREAS, In March of 1969, Timothy Hurley answered the call of duty
and entered the United States Army, reporting for service at Fort Dix,
New Jersey, where he completed basic training, leadership preparation,
and advanced infantry training; and

WHEREAS, Following his training, Timothy Hurley was deployed to the
Republic of Vietnam in October of 1969, arriving first at Cam Ranh Bay
before being assigned to the Quang Tri region near the Demilitarized
Zone, one of the most dangerous combat areas of the war; and

WHEREAS, Serving with the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry, 5th
Mechanized Infantry Division, Timothy Hurley courageously endured
intense combat operations, including a devastating engagement on
November 13, 1969, in which his unit of 107 troops was attacked by an
estimated 1,200 to 1,400 North Vietnamese Army soldiers, resulting in
numerous casualties and acts of extraordinary valor; and

WHEREAS, During his combat service, Timothy Hurley sustained
injuries in the line of duty, including being thrown from an armored
personnel carrier after it struck a land mine and later suffering
additional wounds from a hand flare explosion, requiring months of
hospitalization while serving overseas; and

WHEREAS, Despite the hardships and dangers he endured, Timothy
Hurley faithfully completed his military service and returned home in
October of 1970, embodying the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that
define America's veterans; and

WHEREAS, Following his honorable military service, Timothy Hurley
dedicated himself to his family and career, working at Yankee Motors in
Schenectady, Rome Manufacturing, and ultimately retiring from Rome
Laboratories after years of steadfast service; and

WHEREAS, In later years, the lasting effects of his wartime service
emerged through severe medical complications associated with exposure to
Agent Orange, including multiple cancers, spinal surgeries, and dialysis
treatments, challenges he has faced with remarkable strength and
dignity; and

WHEREAS, Throughout these trials, Timothy Hurley has been sustained
by the love and devotion of his wife of 49 years, who serves not only as
his partner in life but also as his caregiver and dialysis nurse;
together they have built a proud and loving family including five
children, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Continuing his commitment to honoring veterans and
preserving the memory of those who served, Timothy Hurley and his family
have, over the past six years, organized a golf tournament that has
raised more than $55,000 for the perpetual care of the Vietnam Memorial
at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, The courage, patriotism, perseverance, and civic spirit
displayed by Timothy Hurley throughout his life stand as an inspiration
to all New Yorkers and serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices
made by members of the United States Armed Forces; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Timothy Hurley upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome on June 6, 2026; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Timothy Hurley.