Senate Resolution No. 1647

BY: Senator COONEY

MOURNING the death of George R. Miles, Sr.,
meritorious veteran, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent gentleman of indomitable faith and dedication
whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as
a paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, George R. Miles, Sr., of Greece, New York, died on Monday,
March 15, 2021; and

WHEREAS, George R. Miles, Sr. proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Army for over 33 years, 27 of which were with the
National Guard; and

WHEREAS, While serving with the military, George R. Miles, Sr. was
part of the "Old Guard" which protected the United States Capitol and
was assigned to the Honor Guard for President Truman as well as the Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier; and

WHEREAS, With the advent of the Korean War, George R. Miles, Sr. was
deployed to East Asia with the 1st Calvary Division, C Company Infantry
of the 7th Calvary Regiment; while serving on the front lines, his
company was pinned down by enemy fire; as they were receiving covering
fire, he was hit by the enemy's fire and woke up in a MASH hospital; and

WHEREAS, To George R. Miles, Sr.'s great surprise, his brother
Richard Miles, a member of the unit which had provided support to
George's Company, greeted him at the hospital; the two brothers were
brought to tears, and George requested a transfer to Richard's unit
which was granted; and

WHEREAS, The very next day, C Company was once again attacked, this
time only one soldier survived; and

WHEREAS, For the next four years, George R. Miles, Sr. and his
brother served side by side through four major combat battles and
thankfully, returned home together; and

WHEREAS, Upon his return to Western New York, George R. Miles, Sr.
served with the National Guard for the next 27 years; during this time,
he was employed by the City of Rochester for over 30 years and was the
former President of the New York State Mobile Home Association, and a
faithful member of several churches including Bethel Full Gospel, Living
Word Assembly of God and First Bible Baptist; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his daughter, Jean Marie Gallina; three
brothers, Robert, Richard and David; and two sisters, Sylvia and Eileen,
George R. Miles, Sr. is survived by his wife, Patricia L.; one son,
George R. (Nina) Miles Jr.; two daughters, Cathy Slocum and Joanne
(John) Thomas; one brother, brother, Allen Miles; two sisters, Diane

Mercer and Christine Ghysel, 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren,
and many nieces and nephews who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, George R. Miles, Sr. will be fondly remembered by family,
friends and fellow soldiers for his compassion, leadership, selflessness
and courage; and

WHEREAS, Monroe County, New York State and this great Nation will
never forget the contributions and sacrifices of George R. Miles, Sr., a
devoted hero who devoted 33 years of his life to serving our country as
a member of its esteemed armed forces; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of George R. Miles, Sr., meritorious veteran,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of George R. Miles Sr.