LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Andrew Komonchak upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2014 Ruth & James Ottaway Medal by
the Orange County Citizens Foundation

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Andrew Komonc-
hak upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2014 Ruth &
James Ottaway Medal by the Orange County Citizens Foundation, to be
celebrated at the Foundation's Ottaway Medal Dinner on Thursday, May 1,
2014, at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Newburgh, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Orange County Citizens Foundation is an organization
dedicated to improving the lives of Orange County residents by bringing
people together to preserve the county's environmental and cultural
heritage; and
WHEREAS, The Ruth & James Ottaway Medal is given each year to individ-
uals who have distinguished themselves by their outstanding service to
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Komonchak has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Komonchak serves as the Executive Director of Purple
Heart Hall of Honor, Inc., an organization he co-founded in order to
raise funding for the expansion and enhancement of the National Purple
Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, New York; he is committed to helping
veterans and active duty military personnel receive the respect, honor
and recognition they deserve; and
WHEREAS, For many years, this esteemed man was the owner of ARK Graph-
ics, a marketing and consulting company, active in helping numerous
nonprofit organizations in the community; he is a single parent of four
children; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Andrew Komonchak graduated from Leadership Orange, a
professional leadership training program, where he would later serve as
a board member; he began taking a more active role in civic life, serv-
ing on multiple boards and committees including the Orange County Arts
Council, and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor; and
WHEREAS, Genuinely concerned with honoring those who have served our
country, Andrew Komonchak organized an event in 2009 to honor the
nation's Purple Heart Medal recipients; General David Petraeus served as
keynote speaker, and over 1,200 people attended to recognize the recipi-
ents and kick off a capital campaign for the Purple Heart Hall of Honor;
and
WHEREAS, Andrew Komonchak further contributed his time and energies to
honor Purple Heart recipients, setting aside his own business to head a
committee which has raised significant funds for the expansion of the
Purple Heart Hall of Honor; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, Andrew Komonchak organized a commemoration of Orange
County Memorial Veterans Day, with a number of events recognizing the
men and women of the United States armed forces who have served this
nation so honorably; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; he became Chairman of the Orange
County Citizens Foundation's Public Relations Committee, and also serves

on the Boards of Hudson Valley Honor Flight and the Research & Recogni-
tion Project; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Komonchak's efforts were instrumental in the success
of the Newburgh Armory's transformation into a community center;
furthermore, he serves on the Stewart Air National Guard Military
Affairs Committee and is a member of Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 NY; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Andrew Komonchak has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Andrew Komonchak upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2014 Ruth & James Ottaway Medal by the Orange County Citizens
Foundation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Andrew Komonchak.