LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Anthony Mele upon the occasion of his
elevation to the rank of Knighthood by the Priory of Saint Patrick of
the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this Empire State,
when the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor combine
in commitment to community, there emerge among the distinguished citi-
zenry of the State of New York, certain individuals who warrant special
recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Anthony Mele upon the occasion of his elevation to the rank of Knight-
hood by the Priory of Saint Patrick of the Sovereign Military Order of
the Temple of Jerusalem; the Convent and Investiture will take place on
Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Holy Innocents Church, Highland Falls, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem is a
modern Christian Order of Knighthood, dedicated to: living, by-example,
the noble ideals of chivalry and selfless service while seeking God in
their lives and promoting love and respect in their communities; main-
taining a Christian presence in the Holy Land by increasing understand-
ing and respect between members of all religions and faiths and helping
pilgrims visit holy places; helping the poor, the sick, the unjustly
accused and those who stand against oppression and protect freedom of
speech; and protecting the monuments, archives and history of the
Knights Templar; the Priory of Saint Patrick serves as the Hudson Valley
home for Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple
of Jerusalem; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Mele, of Chestnut Ridge, New York, has demonstrated
the good character, life accomplishments, and commitment to the ideals
of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem required for
the attainment of this illustrious designation; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Mele is a United Nations Vendor, a Federal Firearms
Licensee, and Defense Trade Broker, Department of State Bureau of Poli-
tico-Military Affairs, Washington, DC; he holds a Bachelor of Science in
International Relations and Counterterrorism from Empire State College,
New York, and a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Conflict
Management, from Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man served in the United States Army in a
number of prestigious assignments, including the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry
Regiment (The Old Guard); the Intelligence and Security Command, Defense
Intelligence Agency; the United States Military Training Mission (USMTM)
in Saudi Arabia, and Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Pentagon; a gradu-
ate of the Defense Intelligence College in Washington, DC, he was deco-
rated for valor and peacetime heroism, receiving the Army Commendation
Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster; the Meritorious Service Medal; and Good
Conduct Medal, 2nd Award, all by the time he was 23 years old; and
WHEREAS, In the private sector, Anthony Mele has held positions at the
BDM Corporation, International Security Directorate, and consulting
assignments for Electronic Warfare Associates, and Fowler Trading Compa-
ny, among others, in the arena of the international arms trade; and
WHEREAS, Anthony Mele has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, His philanthropic and civic activities include: aiding
distressed communities plagued by drugs and gangs, mentoring youth,
negotiating truces between rival street gang factions in New York and

Washington, DC; he has served on the boards of directors of the United
Way, Rockland County; International Rotary Club; and Mock Youth Courts;
he also assisted the President and Tribal Council of the Lakota Sioux
Tribes at the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Anthony Mele serves as the Chairman, 65th Infan-
try Regiment Honor Task Force, where for the past 14 years, he has
worked on a national scale for the recognition and rights of veterans,
ranging from ensuring they receive an appropriate military honor guard
funeral service, lost decorations or overlooked awards due them, and
serving as their voice in providing testimony before government offi-
cials; this compassionate man also visits his fellow veterans in hospi-
tals; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Anthony Mele has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Anthony Mele has displayed through-
out his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Anthony Mele upon the occasion of his elevation to the rank of
Knighthood by the Priory of Saint Patrick of the Sovereign Military
Order of the Temple of Jerusalem; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Anthony Mele.