LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joseph Burgess posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at
its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on February 1, 2016

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; 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Joseph Burgess posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
Monday, February 1, 2016, at the Joseph E. Zaloga Post, Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany County
Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor-A-Veteran Committee to
honor deceased Albany County Veterans who have served their country in
time of conflict; the Honor-A-Veteran Program takes place monthly on the
first Monday of each month; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Joseph Burgess will be recognized at this year's February Honor-A-Veter-
an Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Burgess, who died on December 5, 2014, at the age of
64, served his country with honor and distinction from 1968-1972, as a
member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, A Private First Class in the 101st Airborne Unit, Joseph
Burgess served in the Vietnam War as a Paratrooper and a Radio Operator;
for his valiant service, he was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal with
device, Combat Infantry Badge, and a Parachute Badge; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge, Joseph Burgess was employed at Green Tech
High Charter School; he then went on to work for the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, holding the position of Capi-
tal District Campership Diversity Program Coordinator; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Burgess enjoyed working with kids; he volunteered at
the Albany Boys and Girls Club and founded the Nature Network and Youth
Ed-Venture; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout was his wife, Cherry Burgess, who felt
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoiced in his achievements;
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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 Joseph Burgess posthumously upon the occasion of his designation

for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony
on February 1, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Cherry Burgess.