Assembly Resolution No. 834

BY: M. of A. Conrad

HONORING Wayne Baumgartner upon the occasion of
his retirement after 56 years of distinguished
service to the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205
of Tonawanda, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Wayne Baumgartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 56 years of
distinguished service to the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 of
Tonawanda, New York; and

WHEREAS, For the past 56 years, Wayne Baumgartner rendered faithful,
conscientious, and valuable service to the American Legion Brounshidle
Post 205; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as Post Commander, Wayne Baumgartner served
with loyalty, honor, and distinction; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, Wayne Baumgartner became the Post Commander of the
American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 and has since volunteered countless
hours supporting the pillars of the legion: veterans affairs and
rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, and children and youth;
and

WHEREAS, Wayne Baumgartner was always active in Post 205 meetings
and was a volunteer and organizer of the organization's events,
including membership drives and solicitation of donations; he has
managed raffles supporting children and youth and has worked to provide
much-needed backpacks for school children; further, this distinguished
and dedicated leader collected, purchased, and delivered Post-sponsored
holiday gifts and food for families in need; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Baumgartner is a proud veteran of the United States
Air Force; he enlisted after his graduation from Kenmore East High
School in 1961 and later re-enlisted in 1965; he served his country for
nearly eight years in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, During his time with the U.S. Air Force, Wayne Baumgartner
achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was deployed as an
administrative specialist to Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam
where his duties involved documenting plane and troop movements in and
out of the country; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and dutiful service, Wayne Baumgartner
received several honors, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the
Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Medal; and

WHEREAS, An active and respected member of his community, Wayne
Baumgartner was the coordinator and Marshal of the Memorial Day Parade

from 2009-2020 and the Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade at the County
Fair from 2009-2018; and

WHEREAS, Further, Wayne Baumgartner enjoys visiting veterans at
local hospitals and nursing homes and participates in monthly
programming at the local Veterans Affairs hospital; he also participates
in wake services for members of the American Legion Post, ensuring
proper honors for veterans upon their passing; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Baumgartner is a graduate of the Civilian Police
Academy and serves as an Alumni Assistant Instructor during training
classes; he also supervises CERT team participation at local events and
is a mock Triage Victim for Town Police and Paramedic training classes
and exercises; he volunteers numerous hours to fundraise and supports
events held by the police and fire departments, including Mercy Flight
and the annual charity hockey game; and

WHEREAS, Recognized for his valiant and dedicated years of military
service, Wayne Baumgartner was also inducted into the New York State
Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame on Veterans Day in 2021; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, Wayne Baumgartner was governed by a
keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems;
and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the American Legion Brounshidle Post
205, Wayne Baumgartner earned the admiration, esteem, and affection of
his colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Wayne Baumgartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 56
years of distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wayne Baumgartner.