LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Major Gerard C. Dempster upon the occa-
sion of his retirement after many years of valiant service to the United
States Marine Corps

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize those remarkable individuals who honorably and courageously
serve their country in order to protect the life and liberty of our
citizens, and whose military service, professional lives, and civic
endeavors serve to enhance the stature of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Major Gerard
C. Dempster upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of
valiant service to the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, Born on March 11, 1971 in Niskayuna, New York, Gerard C.
Dempster enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December of 1990;
he completed recruit training in March of 1991 at Parris Island, South
Carolina, and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class before
being assigned to the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, North Carolina;
and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation Gerard C. Dempster was assigned to Personnel
Administration School at Camp Johnson for instruction as a Unit Diary
Clerk, and graduated with honors in July of 1991; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Gerard C. Dempster reported to his first
duty assignment with HMLA-367, serving as a Unit Diary Clerk; in October
of 1991, he was promoted to Lance Corporal and deployed the following
year with HMM-161 (Rein) as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
(Special Operations Capable); and
WHEREAS, In April of 1993, Corporal Gerard C. Dempster reported for
duty with the First Marine Corps District, Garden City, New York, where
he served as the Unit Diary Chief; he provided administrative support to
eight Recruiting Stations in the Northeastern United States; during his
tour he was selected as the Marine of the Quarter and Marine of the
Year, and promoted to Sergeant in October of 1994; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Gerard C. Dempster attended the Sergeants Course in
August of 1995, and graduated with honors; furthermore, in May of 1996
he received his Associates Degree, Cum Laude from Nassau Community
College; and
WHEREAS, After reporting to Drill Instructor School at Parris Island
in July of 1996, Sergeant Gerard C. Dempster graduated with honors and
was assigned to 1st Battalion, Charlie Company; during this time, he was
selected as Drill Instructor of the Quarter and was meritoriously
promoted to Staff Sergeant in January of 1998; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill
Instructor for seven platoons and successfully completed his tour in
October of 1998; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Gerard C. Dempster was competitively selected
for the Meritorious Commissioning Program and reported to Officers
Candidate School in January of 2000, graduating in April with honors and
receiving his commission; and
WHEREAS, In January of 2001, Second Lieutenant Gerard C. Dempster
reported for duty with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Camp Lejeune, where
he served as a Weapons Platoon Commander, Rifle Company Executive Offi-
cer and Headquarters and Service Company Executive Officer; and
WHEREAS, After being promoted to Captain, Gerard C. Dempster completed
his Bachelor of Arts degree in Management with honors from the American
Military University; he was then hand selected as the Aide-de-Camp for
the Commanding General in August of 2005 and served in that capacity
until being competitively selected for career level school; and

WHEREAS, In January of 2009 Captain Gerard C. Dempster was ordered to
the Light Armored Vehicle Leaders Course, in Camp Pendleton, and upon
graduating with honors, was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance
Battalion, as the Delta Company Commander; he participated in Operation
ENDURING FREEDOM in Khan Neshin, Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, In August of 2013, Major Gerard C. Dempster was hand selected
as a Commandant of the Marine Corps National Fellow for an assignment at
General Electric in Boston; during this time he assumed his current
duties as a strategic planner at United States Special Operations
Command in Tampa, Florida in July of 2014; and
WHEREAS, Major Gerard C. Dempster is a graduate of the Expeditionary
Warfare School and Command and Staff College Distance Education Program;
he holds an Associate's degree in Political Science, a Bachelor's degree
in Management, and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished military career, Major Gerard C.
Dempster earned the Bronze Star Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commenda-
tion Medal with (4) gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
with (2) gold stars, Combat Action Ribbon (1) gold star and Military
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal with (1) bronze star; in addition,
he is the recipient of numerous campaign and service awards, and has
been the subject of numerous pieces of commendatory correspondence; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who dedicate their lives to military service
merit the commendation and applause of all citizens for their commitment
to the preservation of American freedom; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Major Gerard C. Dempster upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of valiant service to the United States Marine Corps; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Major Gerard C. Dempster.