LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Major Michael Sullivan for his distin-
guished service as a member of the United States Army

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 peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Major Michael Sullivan for his distinguished service as a member of the
United States Army, and to welcome him home from combat service in Iraq;
and
WHEREAS, Major Michael Sullivan was born and raised in Bardonia, New
York, and graduated from Clarkstown South High School in 1990; and
WHEREAS, A 1994 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Major
Michael Sullivan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and
Systems Engineering; after graduation, he was commissioned as a Second
Lieutenant of Infantry in the Regular Army; and
WHEREAS, Major Michael Sullivan's first active duty assignment was
with the 82nd Airborne Division where he served with the 3rd Battalion,
505th Parachute Infantry Regiment as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Company
Executive Officer; and
WHEREAS, In November of 1999, Major Michael Sullivan deployed to Koso-
vo in support of peace and stability operations while serving as an
Assistant Battalion Operations Officer in the 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor
Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division; and
WHEREAS, In June of 2000, Major Michael Sullivan took command of A
Company, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment in Vilseck, Germany, and
subsequently took command of Headquarters Company 1st Battalion, 63rd
Armor Regiment; and
WHEREAS, Major Michael Sullivan deployed to Iraq in February of 2004,
and served as an Advisor for the 6th Iraqi Army Battalion, Coalition
Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT), Kirkush, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Major Michael Sullivan served recently in combat as the Squa-
dron Operations Officer for the 5th Squadron, 7th United States Cavalry
with area responsibility to include the Rasheed District of Baghdad and
then the Brigade Operations Officer for the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry
Division (Rock of the Marne) located at Forward Operating Base Falcon
and later Camp Liberty, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable soldier distinguished himself during combat
and while in command, receiving numerous military decorations including
the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Peace Keeping Medal, the Meritorious
Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, the
Bronze Star Medal, and two Army Achievement Medals; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, in 2002, Major Michael Sullivan was awarded the
esteemed Department of the Army Douglas A. MacArthur Leadership Award
and the Department of the Army Connelly Cup; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his military service, Major Michael Sullivan
documented the day to day experiences of a soldier's life in Iraq in
over 40 columns for his hometown newspaper, the NEWS JOURNAL; and
WHEREAS, Major Michael Sullivan's column informed the people of Rock-
land County and surrounding communities of the fear, risks and day to
day combat activities of his unit's mission in Iraq, documenting both
the victories and tragedies, and telling of his experiences during the

combat operations as well as the transition to a new role of supporting
the Iraqi Army while performing his duties as a Squadron and a Brigade
Operations Officer; and
WHEREAS, Major Michael Sullivan's distinguished service in the United
States Army, and particularly during Operation Iraqi Freedom has
provided the blessings of freedom and security to the Iraqi people while
providing informative dispatches to the people of Rockland County and
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Major Michael Sullivan has demonstrated his love for his country and
merit, forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Major Michael Sullivan for his distinguished service as a member
of the United States Army, and to welcome him home from combat service
in Iraq; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Major Michael Sullivan.