Senate Resolution No. 2385

BY: Senator BYNOE

COMMENDING Specialist Ruben Cespedes 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 Specialist
Ruben Cespedes 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, Specialist Ruben Cespedes of Freeport, New York, is a
United States Army veteran, and he lives a life defined by a commitment
to service and protecting others; and

WHEREAS, During his courageous service in the United States Army,
Specialist Ruben Cespedes was a member of Company A, 710th Brigade
Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain
Division, which is one of the Army's most distinguished and highly
respected active-duty divisions; and

WHEREAS, While deployed in Afghanistan in November of 2009,
Specialist Ruben Cespedes was serving as a gunner in the second vehicle
of a Quick Reaction Force mission in Logar Province; during this
mission, the first vehicle struck an explosive device, which sent a
shrapnel into Specialist Ruben Cespedes' face; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Ruben Cespedes sustained facial injuries and
dizziness after the explosive blast; following the injury, he was
transported to a medical facility and received treatment, including an
evaluation for a traumatic brain injury; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his service and injury, Specialist Ruben
Cespedes initially received the Combat Action Badge, but he did not
immediately receive the Purple Heart; after 17 years of seeking out
proper recognition for his service and injuries, Specialist Ruben
Cespedes was proudly awarded the Purple Heart, one of the Nation's
oldest and most respected military decorations; and

WHEREAS, After completing his service with the United States Army,
Specialist Ruben Cespedes was determined to continue to serve and
protect his community; he has continued his public service career at the
New York Police Department, where he serves admirably as a sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, especially those
who were injured in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Specialist Ruben Cespedes demonstrated his love for his country and
merits forevermore the highest respect of his 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
commend Specialist Ruben Cespedes 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 Specialist Ruben Cespedes.