Senate Resolution No. 5265

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Bob Nevins upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Saratoga
WarHorse Foundation on August 13, 2018

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Bob Nevins who uphold the values of
community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the best
of humanity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Bob Nevins
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the
Saratoga WarHorse Foundation, to be celebrated at its Annual Blue
Spangled Gala on Monday, August 13, 2018, at the Hall of Springs,
Saratoga Springs, New York; and

WHEREAS, Bob Nevins valiantly served his country during the Vietnam
War as a highly decorated medical evacuation helicopter pilot for the
101st Airborne; and

WHEREAS, In January of 1971, while overseas, Bob Nevins was flying a
rescue mission when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his chopper; the
blast instantly killed two crewmembers and sent the craft hurdling down
upon the jungle floor in a mass of smoke and flames; and

WHEREAS, Miraculously, Bob Nevins survived the crash and spent
several weeks recuperating from a series of cuts and burns, yet instead
of immediately returning stateside, he courageously chose to finish his
tour; and

WHEREAS, Bob Nevins' duty to country and his fellow soldiers was
unflappable, though the events of that day had changed his life forever;
and

WHEREAS, Once home, Bob Nevins found work flying commercial
helicopters, and in 1989, he took a job as a pilot with American Eagle
Airlines, flying to various destinations along the Eastern seaboard; he
also renewed his dedication to service as a chopper pilot in the New
York National Guard; and

WHEREAS, Bob Nevins took an early retirement as an Airline Captain
to devote his efforts to his non-profit organization, now known as
Saratoga WarHorse; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Bob Nevins, Saratoga WarHorse
offers veterans a three-day experience that has proven to be effective
and invaluable for those struggling to adjust to life after military
service; and

WHEREAS, Saratoga WarHorse provides a new experience with a focus on
posttraumatic stress and suicide prevention which is a vastly different
approach from traditional talk therapy; the process facilitates a
profound personal connection between veteran and horse, seemingly
unlocking a part of the veteran that has been closed down for years; and


WHEREAS, Furthermore, the program is provided at no cost to the
veterans and has now graduated over 600 at-risk veterans; and

WHEREAS, Through Bob Nevins' vision, Saratoga WarHorse is taking
action by becoming an integral part of the solution to the growing
problem of emotional wounds suffered by military service men and women;
it is truly an experience that profoundly changes the lives of both the
veterans and the horses; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Bob Nevins has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Bob Nevins, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Bob Nevins upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Saratoga WarHorse Foundation on August 13, 2018; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bob Nevins.