Assembly Resolution No. 1209

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

CONGRATULATING Gordon Duheme upon the occasion of
his designation as a recipient of an Honor Flight on
May 2, 2026

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so faithfully and courageously in wars in which our
Nation's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
during peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body;
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 gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Gordon Duheme upon the occasion of his designation as a recipient of an
Honor Flight on Saturday, May 2, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Honor Flights are an opportunity to recognize and thank the
Americans who secured our freedom by bringing them to the Nation's
capital to see the memorials that commemorate their service, giving them
a hero's welcome every step of the way; and

WHEREAS, Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the
opportunity to share this momentous occasion with other comrades,
remember the fallen, and share their stories and experiences with other
veterans; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Honor Flight Network commends those who served
during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and veterans of
any service era who are critically ill; in New York State alone, more
than 5,000 members of our armed services have fulfilled their wish of
visiting our Nation's capital and all its sites and memorials honoring
our country's great history; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Duheme is justly deserving of this esteemed
privilege and opportunity for his dedicated service with the United
States Air Force beginning in 1956; he was stationed in at various bases
across the United States, including Keesler AFB in Mississippi, Langley
AFB in Virginia, and Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY; and

WHEREAS, During the course of his enlistment, Gordon Duheme was
deployed numerous times, serving in Japan from 1957 to 1958, Iwo Jima in
1958, the Philippines from 1965 to 1967, Vietnam from 1971 to 1972,
Germany from 1975-1978, and Turkey from 1979-1980; and

WHEREAS, After his illustrious thirty-year career with the Air
Force, during which he earned the Meritorious Service Medal as well as
thirteen other ribbons, Gordon Duheme retired at the high and honorable
rank of E9 as a Chief Master Sargent, after which he went on to work for
Civil Service in the 485th Engineer Installations Team; and


WHEREAS, Gordon Duheme is a father to four daughters who live in
Omaha, Nebraska and is currently married to Ruth Duheme and is known as
Pops to her daughter and two sons; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these brave men and women of our military have demonstrated their love
for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their
State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Gordon Duheme upon the occasion of his designation as a
recipient of an Honor Flight on May 2, 2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gordon Duheme.