The New York State Senate

J2891

Senate Resolution No. 2891

BY: Senator STEC

COMMENDING Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Lance
Corporal Gregory T. Lee upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee enlisted in the United States
Marine Corps on May 2, 1968; after completing basic training, he was
deployed to the Vietnam War in September of 1968 where he was assigned
to Co K, 3rd Marine Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division,
FMF; and

WHEREAS, While fighting against the enemy in Quang Nam Province on
May 8, 1969, in Operation Oklahoma Hills, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee
was seriously injured in a mortar explosion; the injury resulted in the
amputation of one arm, but with much resilience, he continues to
advocate for other veterans, spending much of his time now working with
veteran associations and even driving those in need to the VA hospital
in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Lance
Corporal Gregory T. Lee was awarded numerous medals and awards including
the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct
Medal, and many more; and

WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service on March
31, 1970, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee entered federal civilian
employment at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 1970 where he served in the
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department until 1991; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee
worked tirelessly for his fellow veterans, organizing various functions
for DAV, VFW, and American Legion posts; he planned fundraisers,
parades, informational campaigns, raised awareness of legislations
affecting veterans, and held membership drives; and

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee enrolled at Clinton Community
College in Plattsburgh, New York, as a member of the school's first-ever
Parks and Recreation Program; he finished at the top of his class, was

voted Student of the Year in his major, and graduated with honors while
achieving his associate's degree in Parks and Recreation; and

WHEREAS, In other acts of service to his community, Lance Corporal
Gregory T. Lee continues to volunteer with Honor Flight in Plattsburgh,
a company which aims to provide New York veterans with a flight to
Washington, D.C. to experience the gratefulness this Nation has to
offer; the veteran gives countless hours of his time signing veterans up
for the flights, arranging sites to be visited in Washington, D.C.,
picking up and escorting veterans to the Honor Flight site, organizing
welcoming ceremonies prior to the Honor Flight itself, organizing return
Honor Flights from Washington, D.C., and fundraising; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee demonstrated 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
commend Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lance Corporal Gregory T. Lee.