LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring veteran Nicholas Cataldo upon the occa-
sion of the recognition of his distinguished military service at a Memo-
rial Day celebration on May 23, 2014

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor veteran Nicho-
las Cataldo upon the occasion of the recognition of his distinguished
military service at a Memorial Day celebration on May 23, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Born in New York, Nicholas Cataldo of Flushing, Queens, grad-
uated from Aviation High School in Queens in June of 1967; and
WHEREAS, On January 8, 1968, Nicholas Cataldo began serving his coun-
try as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, One year later, Nicholas Cataldo was deployed to The Republic
of Vietnam where he spent the next twelve months before returning to the
Continental United States; he served with the 1st Aviation Brigade,
214th Combat Aviation Battalion as a crew member and helicopter mechanic
in the Mekong Delta; and
WHEREAS, After three years of service, Nicholas Cataldo was honorably
discharged in 1971, and returned to New York to find gainful employment
as a printer; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Cataldo is the recipient of numerous medals and
badges for his bravery and sacrifice during his service including
Aircrew Wings, Expert Rifle Badge, The Army Commendation Medal, The Air
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The Viet-
nam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, and Republic of Viet-
nam Gallantry Cross with Palm unit Citation; and
WHEREAS, Today, Nicholas Cataldo has been a member of Chapter 32 of
the Vietnam Veterans of America for over twenty five years, and has
worked on behalf of veterans since he joined; in addition, he is very
involved in burying indigent veterans, insuring no veteran gets buried
without honor and dignity; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife of 45 years, Yolanda,
and their two sons, as well as seven grandchildren, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Nicholas Cataldo demonstrated his love for his country and merits forev-
ermore, 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 veteran Nicholas Cataldo upon the occasion of the recognition of
his distinguished military service at a Memorial Day celebration on May
23, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to veteran Nicholas Cataldo.