LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring retired Major General Joseph A. McNeil
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the
Franklin Square Historical Society on February 25, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant accomplishments in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; 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; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor retired Major
General Joseph A. McNeil upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Franklin Square Historical Society on Wednes-
day, February 25, 2015, at the Franklin Square Public Library; and
WHEREAS, Joseph A. McNeil is best known as one of the Greensboro Four,
a group of African-American college students who sat down at the segre-
gated lunch counter at Woolworth's in Greensboro, North Carolina; his
courageous action was one of the defining moments of the Civil Rights
Movement in the United States; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, North Carolina A&T commissioned a statue of the
Greensboro Four which is currently displayed on its campus, honoring
Joseph A. McNeil along with the other three members of the Greensboro
Four; and
WHEREAS, Born on March 25, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Joseph
A. McNeil received his early education from Williston Senior High
School; upon graduation, his parents moved the family to New York; and
WHEREAS, Joseph A. McNeil entered North Carolina Agricultural and
Technical State University; in 1963, he earned a Bachelor of Science
degree in Engineering Physics from North Carolina A&T, and was commis-
sioned as a Second Lieutenant through the university's ROTC program; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Joseph A. McNeil holds three honorary doctorates
including a Doctor of Philosophy degree from North Carolina A&T State
University, 1991; Doctor of Laws degree from St. John's University,
1998; and Doctor of Humanities degree from the University of North Caro-
lina at Wilmington, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In July of 1963, Joseph A. McNeil began serving his country
proudly as a member of the United States Air Force assigned to James
Connally Air Force Base near Waco, Texas; from 1964 to 1969, he was
assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, where he served as a
KC-135 Navigator; and
WHEREAS, During this period, Joseph A. McNeil rose through the ranks
of First Lieutenant and Captain; in 1972, he served as a Navigator
Instructor, Flight Commander, Executive Officer, and Commander of the
702nd Military Airlift Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Joseph A. McNeil served as a Liaison Officer in
the United States Air Force Academy; in 1989, he served as Special
Assistant to the Vice Commander and Commander of the 514th Airlift Wing
at McGuire Air Force Base; during this time, he was promoted to the
esteemed ranks of Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel; and
WHEREAS, After leaving active duty in 1969 with the esteemed rank of
Captain, Joseph A. McNeil continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves;
from 1992 to 1995, he served as Vice Commander, and later, Commander of
the 22nd Air Force stationed at Dobbins Air Force Reserve Base, Georgia;
he would also be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 1994; and

WHEREAS, In August of 1995, Joseph A. McNeil served as Mobilization
Assistant to the Vice Commander, and later, Commander at the Air Force
Reserve Command Headquarters; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, Joseph A. McNeil retired from the Air Force Reserves
with the esteemed rank of Major General, having being promoted to this
position in 1996; and
WHEREAS, After his illustrious military career spanning more than 30
years, and over 6,600 flight hours, upon his retirement, Joseph A.
McNeil received the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his military career, Joseph A. McNeil estab-
lished himself in the private and public sectors with time spent in
corporate finance, investment banking, and public services; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man joined the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration where he served as Assistant Division Manager of the adminis-
tration's Eastern Region Flight Standards Division, and Manager of the
New York Flight Standards District Office; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, Joseph A. McNeil retired from the Federal Aviation
Administration after more than 15 years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, A man of many accomplishments, Joseph A. McNeil was the
recipient of the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal from the Smithsonian
Institution in 2010; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Ina, and their five
children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Joseph A. McNeil has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor retired Major General Joseph A. McNeil upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Franklin Square Historical
Society on February 25, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to retired Major General Joseph A. McNeil.