Senate Resolution No. 2182

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING David R. Riley Sr. upon the occasion of
his designation as the New York State American
Legion Department Commander

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
patriotic organizations and individuals who devote themselves to the
welfare of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend David R. Riley Sr. upon the occasion of his designation as the
New York State American Legion Department Commander, celebrated on
Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the American Legion Henry P. Smith Post No.
24, Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, David R. Riley Sr. is the third Oneida County resident to
decome State Commander in the Legion's 100-year history; he will
officially begin his one-year term in this most esteemed position when
he is sworn in at the 104th Annual American Legion Department of New
York Convention on Saturday, July 16, 2022, in Binghamton, New York; and

WHEREAS, David R. Riley Sr. proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1982; he completed basic
training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and security police
training at both Lackland and Camp Bullis, Texas, before his assignment
to K.1. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan as part of the security police
force; and

WHEREAS, A life member of The American Legion, David R. Riley Sr.
joined Utica Post No. 229 in 1995 and transferred in 2000 to Rome's
Henry P. Smith Post No. 24, where he served as Commander from 2004 to
2006; and

WHEREAS, In addition to many other positions at the post level,
David R. Riley Sr. was the 2012-13 Oneida County Commander; he also
served on several committees on the county level and was appointed Vice
Commander at the district level; and

WHEREAS, On the State level, David R. Riley Sr. has been an
instructor and vice dean of Legion College of New York, and served four
years as Membership chairman as well as three years as Law and Order
chairman; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, on the national level, he was a facilitator at
American Legion College in 2012, and currently serves as a consultant on
the Membership and Post Activities Committee; and

WHEREAS, Employed by the State Department of Correctional Services
(NYSDOCS), David R. Riley Sr. is active in numerous veteran's circles;
he is Secretary/Treasurer of the Rome Memorial Day Association and
Secretary for the Rome Veteran's Council; and


WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to local
veterans and the community-at-large, David R. Riley Sr. is a member of
the VFW Auxiliary, DAV, American Legion College of New York and National
American Legion College Alumni Associations, the Stanwix Veteran Men's
Club, Frank J. Steczko Post PAV, Forty & Eight Voiture Locale No. 1220,
Rome Polish Home, Oneida County Past County Commanders Club, Smith Post
No. 24 Past Post Commanders Club, National American Legion Press
Association, and the NYSDOCS Emerald Society Mid-State Chapter; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, the former Laurie
Evans, and their four children, David Jr., Lindsay, Katelyn and Kurt, as
well as two grandsons, Chase and Apollo, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, The success of the American Legion is in direct correlation
to the tireless efforts of David R. Riley Sr., whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by David R. Riley Sr. over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend David R. Riley Sr. upon the occasion of his designation as the
New York State American Legion Department Commander; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to David R. Riley Sr.