LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Colonel Joseph D. Davidson upon the
occasion of his selection as Grand Marshal of the 22nd Annual Bay Ridge
St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 22, 2015

WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time for people of all nationalities and
generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of
the Irish people throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides opportunity for
people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Colonel Joseph D. Davidson upon the occasion of his selection as Grand
Marshal of the 22nd Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday,
March 22, 2015; and
WHEREAS, A native New Yorker, Joseph D. Davidson was born to John J.
and Kathleen Patricia (McNally) Davidson, in Congers, New York; his
maternal grandparents were born in Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh,
Ireland, and his paternal grandmother is from County Cork, Ireland; and
WHEREAS, Joseph D. Davidson graduated from Clarkstown North High
School, New City, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Political Science from the State University of New York at New Paltz;
and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Joseph D. Davidson continued his education
by receiving both a Master in Military History from the United States
Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and a
Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National
Defense University, Washington, DC; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Joseph D. Davidson serves his country as a member of
the United States Army; throughout his tenure as a Cavalry officer, he
has held a variety of both command and staff positions in combat
brigades throughout the United States and overseas, including multiple
combat deployments to Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Prior to assuming command of Fort Hamilton in July of 2014,
Colonel Joseph D. Davidson served as the Chief of Staff for the Joint
Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), where he
managed and synchronized an organization of 1,500 people in support of
the global Counter-IED mission; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Colonel Joseph D. Davidson commanded the 1st
Squadron, 14 United States Cavalry Regiment which included a 12-month
deployment to Diyala, Iraq; and
WHEREAS, In this position, Colonel Joseph D. Davidson conducted coun-
terinsurgency and stability operations while also being responsible for
the establishment and execution of operations in the Diyala Combined
Security Area, bringing together Arabs and Kurd forces in a groundbreak-
ing tripartite operation; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Joseph D. Davidson has been the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades for his outstanding service in the military,
including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, four
Bronze Star Medals, Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist
Badge, and the Pathfinder Badge; and
WHEREAS, In his spare time, Colonel Joseph D. Davidson enjoys reading
and not only watching but playing most sports, such as running, hiking,
biking, and golfing; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, the former Erin
Hennessy, who feels privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in
his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Colo-
nel Joseph D. Davidson over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; and
WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Grand Marshal of the 22nd Annual Bay
Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, Colonel Joseph D. Davidson embodies the
spirit and the cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this
great State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Colonel Joseph D. Davidson upon the occasion of his selection as
Grand Marshal of the 22nd Annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade on
March 22, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Colonel Joseph D. Davidson.