Senate Resolution No. 2362

BY: Senator ASHBY

COMMENDING Aimal Zafari upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

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 commend Aimal
Zafari upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born in Afghanistan and now a proud resident of the Town of
Colonie, New York, Aimal Zafari has demonstrated extraordinary valor,
resilience, and devotion to the cause of liberty and human dignity; and

WHEREAS, From 2012 through 2016, Aimal Zafari served alongside
United States military forces as an Afghan cultural advisor and
translator, conducting more than 1,000 military combat missions in some
of the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, In this vital role, he worked closely with senior United
States and Afghan military leaders, Afghan government officials, Afghan
police chiefs, and local non-profit organizations to improve security
and foster stability in regions plagued by violence and unrest; and

WHEREAS, Through his cultural expertise, wisdom, and unwavering
professionalism, Aimal Zafari helped United States military personnel
navigate complex cross-cultural environments, enabling more effective
engagement with local communities and strengthening relationships
essential to mission success; and

WHEREAS, Aimal Zafari's outstanding service and steadfast commitment
earned him Certificates of Appreciation from nine separate United States
military units, reflecting the deep respect and admiration of those with
whom he served; and

WHEREAS, In December of 2016, while serving on mission with the
United States Marine Corps, Aimal Zafari was shot and severely wounded,
sustaining a T-6 spinal cord injury that left him permanently paraplegic
and confined to a wheelchair, injuries from which he continues to suffer
each day; and

WHEREAS, Despite enduring life-altering injuries in service to the
United States and its allies, Aimal Zafari has faced adversity with

remarkable courage, dignity, and perseverance, embodying the very spirit
of sacrifice and selflessness; and

WHEREAS, Though not formally enlisted as a member of the United
States military, Aimal Zafari faithfully served alongside American
service members in combat, risking his life to protect countless others
and contributing immeasurably to the safety and success of coalition
missions; and

WHEREAS, This Nation and the State of New York owe a profound debt
of gratitude to Aimal Zafari for the countless lives he helped save and
for the extraordinary sacrifices he made in defense of freedom and
democracy; and

WHEREAS, On December 1, 2023, Aimal Zafari was officially presented
with his United States citizenship, a deeply meaningful milestone that
reflects both his enduring commitment to this Nation and the gratitude
owed to him by the American people; and

WHEREAS, The courage, patriotism, and resilience demonstrated by
Aimal Zafari stand as an inspiration to all New Yorkers and all
Americans, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have
through selfless service to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Aimal Zafari upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Aimal Zafari.