Senate Resolution No. 108

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Gary C. Gershon upon the occasion of
his designation for special tribute by the United
States Postal Service at its Veterans' Day Ceremony
on November 4, 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 peacetime, deserve a special salute; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Gary C. Gershon upon the occasion of his designation for
special tribute by the United States Postal Service at its Veterans' Day
Ceremony to be held on Friday, November 4, 2016, at the United States
Postal Service's General Mail Facility, Colonie, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born in Schenectady, New York, Gary C. Gershon graduated
from Linton High School in 1962; and

WHEREAS, With a passion for working on engines, Gary C. Gershon's
first job was working for a Volkswagen dealer, Academy Motors; and

WHEREAS, Wanting more in his life, Gary C. Gershon decided to enlist
in the United States Air Force in February of 1963; his orders brought
him to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for basic training;
after completing basic training, he was ordered to Otis Air Force Base
located in Cape Cod to become an Aircraft Mechanic where he was
stationed for two years; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1965, Gary C. Gershon was sent to Turkey where
he was responsible for keeping the many different United States Air
Force planes in perfect working order so as to guarantee successful
flying missions; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Gary C. Gershon was responsible for keeping
the library's technical manuals for the aircraft current and up-to-date;
while stationed in Turkey, he met a wonderful woman named Linda; the
couple married three months later in January of 1967; and

WHEREAS, Approximately six months later, Gary C. Gershon was ordered
to Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio; he was later honorably
discharged; and

WHEREAS, Following his military duties, Gary C. Gershon started his
own auto mechanic business working on high end automobiles to support
his growing family of five children; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, Gary C. Gershon joined the United States Postal
Service as an Auto and Truck Technician at the Albany Vehicle
Maintenance Facility; three years later, he re-enlisted with the Air
National Guard working as a loadmaster; and

WHEREAS, Gary C. Gershon retired in 2009 after many years of
distinguished service to the United States Postal Service; and

WHEREAS, Continuing with his passion for aircraft, Gary C. Gershon
began volunteering his time and energies to the Empire State Aerocraft
Museum (ESAM) where he promotes educational programs to young, future
aviators; and

WHEREAS, A well-respected United States Air Force veteran, dedicated
public servant and loving husband and father, Gary C. Gershon's
exemplary military and public service merits the commendation and
applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; 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
commend Gary C. Gershon upon the occasion of his designation for special
tribute by the United States Postal Service at its Veterans' Day
Ceremony; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gary C. Gershon.