Senate Resolution No. 581

BY: Senator SEWARD

CONGRATULATING Major General Anthony German upon
the occasion of his retirement after 36 years of
distinguished service to the United States Air
Force, the New York Air National Guard, and New York
State

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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Major General Anthony German upon the occasion of his
retirement after 36 years of distinguished service to the United States
Air Force and Air National Guard; this momentous occasion was celebrated
on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Stratton Air National Guard Base,
Schenectady, New York; and

WHEREAS, A native of Oneonta, New York, Anthony German joined the
United States Air Force in 1982, as a college graduate with the desire
to learn how to fly airplanes; and

WHEREAS, Anthony German spent six years as a navigator before
joining the New York Air National Guard in 1989; and

WHEREAS, As a member of the New York Air National Guard, Major
General Anthony German made several migrations to the South Pole, flying
the only ski-equipped planes in the military; his military service has
taken him to five continents and involved support in South American drug
wars; he played a key role in coordinating New York Air National Guard
participation in the State's response to Tropical Storms Irene and Lee
in 2011, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Major General Anthony German has logged more than 4,900
flying hours across the globe, with many in Antarctica; in 2018, the
National Science Foundation named a glacier after this expert Navigator
in recognition of his work, including the coordination of military
support for research efforts in Antarctica and Greenland; and

WHEREAS, Former commander for the 109th Airlift Wing, Major General
Anthony German served as mission commander for the rescue of Jerri
Nielsen, a doctor who diagnosed and treated her breast cancer at the
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in the southern winter of 1988, a time
when the station was physically isolated from the rest of the world; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo selected General German
as the 53rd adjutant general of the New York National Guard; and

WHEREAS, Major General Anthony German's last assignment was as
special assistant to the director of the Air National Guard; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to serving his
country, Major General Anthony German has inspired countless military
personnel from the youngest airmen to the highest ranking colonel; and

WHEREAS, In his retirement, Major General Anthony German has
maintained his taste for the cold and outdoors, celebrating with ice
fishing on Great Sacandaga Lake; he looks forward to spending more time
in nature; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Major General Anthony German demonstrated his love for his country and
merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, During his service, Major General German has been
encouraged and supported by his wife, Diana, and children,Joshua, Ben,
Zach and Rebekah; 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
congratulate Major General Anthony German upon the occasion of his
retirement after 36 years of distinguished service to the United States
Air Force and New York Air National Guard; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Major General Anthony German.