LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Colonel Mike Tarsa upon the occasion of
his retirement as United States Army Garrison Commander, West Point, New
York, to be celebrated June 29, 2012

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Colonel Mike
Tarsa upon the occasion of his retirement as United States Army Garrison
Commander, West Point, New York, to be observed at a farewell ceremony
on Friday, June 29, 2012, at the West Point Club in West Point, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Mike Tarsa is a 1987 graduate of the United States
Military Academy; and
WHEREAS, From 1988-1992, Colonel Mike Tarsa served as Fire Direction
Officer, Platoon Leader and TF Fire Support Officer with 2-3 Field
Artillery in Germany; and
WHEREAS, As Platoon Leader, Colonel Mike Tarsa fought with 1st BDE,
3rd AD during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm; and
WHEREAS, After the Advance Course, Colonel Mike Tarsa reported to 2-8
FA at Fort Ord California, then Fort Lewis Washington; and
WHEREAS, In that unit, Colonel Mike Tarsa served as BN FSO, Adjutant
and then Battery Commander; and
WHEREAS, While commanding, Colonel Mike Tarsa led a two-battery force
to Guantanamo Bay Cuba for a six-month humanitarian relief mission; and
WHEREAS, After command, Colonel Mike Tarsa earned his MBA from Pacific
Lutheran University and returned to West Point as the Athlete Admissions
Officer and Congressional Liaison; and
WHEREAS, Assigned in June of 2001 to the 25th ID(L) in Hawaii, Colonel
Mike Tarsa first served in 3-7 FA as the BDE FSO, then Executive Officer
for 2-11 FA and finally as Executive Officer to the CG, US Army Pacific;
and
WHEREAS, Assigned to the 1st CAV in August of 2004, Colonel Mike Tarsa
deployed to serve as the DIV Chief of Plans and Effects Coordination
during OIF2; and
WHEREAS, Upon his return, Colonel Mike Tarsa assumed command of the
3rd Battalion 82nd Field Artillery "Red Dragons" from July 2005-April
2008; and
WHEREAS, In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Colonel Mike Tarsa's unit
provided security and humanitarian relief to New Orleans' residents; and
WHEREAS, In October 2006, the Red Dragons deployed again for OIF
06-08; and
WHEREAS, In Baghdad, Colonel Mike Tarsa's unit conducted full spectrum
operations in Qadisiyah and Janayn; executed over 2,500 Department of
State convoy escort missions and fired over 4,500 rounds of artillery in
support of MND-Baghdad; and
WHEREAS, Following command, Colonel Mike Tarsa became the Corps Deputy
Chief of Staff, then the Chief of Staff of III Corps and Fort Hood; and
WHEREAS, Departing Fort Hood in July 2009, Colonel Mike Tarsa then
fulfilled a USAWC Fellowship at the University of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Mike Tarsa's awards and decorations include the
Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritori-
ous Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal
with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf
Clusters; and

WHEREAS, A 2001 graduate of the Command and General Staff College,
Colonel Mike Tarsa is Airborne, Air Assault and Ranger qualified; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which individuals, such as Colonel Mike Tarsa have served their
country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed
to those who have risked their lives for their beloved Nation; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Colonel Mike Tarsa has 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
honor Colonel Mike Tarsa upon the occasion of his retirement as United
States Army Garrison Commander, West Point, New York, to be celebrated
June 29, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Colonel Mike Tarsa.