LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring veteran Michael O'Kane for his distin-
guished military service in the Vietnam War on Veterans Day 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 Micha-
el O'Kane for his distinguished military service in the Vietnam War on
Veterans Day 2014; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, Michael O'Kane of Middle Village, Queens, New York,
began serving his country as a member of the United States Navy; after
completing basic training at Great Lakes USN Recruiting Command, he was
assigned to the U.S.S. Implicit in Long Beach, California; and
WHEREAS, The U.S.S. Implicit deployed to the United States Seventh
Fleet where it participated in "Operation Market Time" in close support
of the ground forces in Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, Following three Market Time Patrols, Michael O'Kane was
transferred to the U.S.S. Widgeon in Sasebo, Japan; the U.S.S. Widgeon
was also assigned to Operation Market Time to patrol the waters near Cam
Ranh Bay; and
WHEREAS, The U.S.S. Widgeon came under hostile forces several times,
earning its crew members the United States Navy's esteemed Combat Action
Ribbon, as well as the Meritorious Unit Citation; and
WHEREAS, Michael O'Kane has been the recipient of additional medals
and accolades for his exceptional service including the National Defense
Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with three
stars; and
WHEREAS, Honorably discharged in May of 1970, Michael O'Kane is
currently active in many veterans affairs, and the burial of indigent
veterans while serving as a Life Member of The Vietnam Veterans of Amer-
ica; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Michael O'Kane serves as a member of the board
of VVA Queens Chapter No. 32, and as a state and national delegate; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Kathy, who feels priv-
ileged to be a part of his life and rejoices 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,
Michael O'Kane demonstrated his love for his country and merits forever-
more, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Michael O'Kane deserves to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for his service and for
his dedication to his community, his State and his Nation; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor veteran Michael O'Kane for his distinguished military service in
the Vietnam War on Veterans Day 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to veteran Michael O'Kane.