Senate Resolution No. 4850

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING Garrison Command Sergeant Major Tony C.
Stephens upon the occasion of his retirement after
30 years of distinguished service to the United
States Army

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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 from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Garrison
Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens upon the occasion of his
retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to the United States
Army; he will officially retire on Friday, June 8, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Tony C. Stephens enlisted in the United States Army in
1988; he attended basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and AIT at
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious military career, Tony C.
Stephens has held positions as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Senior
Instructor, First Sergeant and Operations Sergeant Major, as well as
Command Sergeant Major, the esteemed position from which he is retiring;
and

WHEREAS, With three decades of steadfast and unwavering service to
his country, this brave soldier's assignments include: 82nd Airborne
Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 3rd COSCOM, Federal Republic of
Germany, 1st COSCOM, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, XVIII Airborne Corps,
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Polk,
Louisiana, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA), Fort
Bliss, Texas, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado and 75th FA
Brigade, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens holds a Bachelor's
degree in Administrative Management from Excelsior College and a
Master's Degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Texas, El
Paso (UTEP); and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, his military education includes the Primary
Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course,
Maintenance Supervisor Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course,
Battle Staff Course, Support Operations Course, First Sergeant Course,
and he is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy
(Class 61); and

WHEREAS, Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens' awards and
decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal (2OLC), Meritorious Service
Medal (4OLC), Army Commendation Medal (SOLC), Army Achievement Medal

(1OLC), Good Conduct Medal (8th Awd), National Defense Service Medal
with 2 Bronze Stars, Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 Service Stars),
Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development
Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon
(Numeral 5), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation
Medal (Kuwait), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air
Assault Badge, Driver & Mechanic Badge, and he is a recipient of the
Samuel Sharp Award and the Saint Barbara Award; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Miche'I, and their
three children, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in
his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens continues to demonstrate his
love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his
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 Garrison Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens upon the occasion
of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to the United
States Army; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Garrison Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens.