Honor Veteran Gary Gershon

Senate Resolution No. 108 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Gary C. Gershon upon the occasion of his designation for special tribute by the United States Postal Service at its Veterans' Day Ceremony on November 4, 2016 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; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Gary C. Gershon upon the occasion of his designation for special tribute by the United States Postal Service at its Veterans' Day Ceremony to be held on Friday, November 4, 2016, at the United States Postal Service's General Mail Facility, Colonie, New York; and WHEREAS, Born in Schenectady, New York, Gary C. Gershon graduated from Linton High School in 1962; and WHEREAS, With a passion for working on engines, Gary C. Gershon's first job was working for a Volkswagen dealer, Academy Motors; and WHEREAS, Wanting more in his life, Gary C. Gershon decided to enlist in the United States Air Force in February of 1963; his orders brought him to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for basic training; after completing basic training, he was ordered to Otis Air Force Base located in Cape Cod to become an Aircraft Mechanic where he was stationed for two years; and WHEREAS, In June of 1965, Gary C. Gershon was sent to Turkey where he was responsible for keeping the many different United States Air Force planes in perfect working order so as to guarantee successful flying missions; and WHEREAS, In addition, Gary C. Gershon was responsible for keeping the library's technical manuals for the aircraft current and up-to-date; while stationed in Turkey, he met a wonderful woman named Linda; the couple married three months later in January of 1967; and WHEREAS, Approximately six months later, Gary C. Gershon was ordered to Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio; he was later honorably discharged; and WHEREAS, Following his military duties, Gary C. Gershon started his own auto mechanic business working on high end automobiles to support his growing family of five children; and WHEREAS, In 1985, Gary C. Gershon joined the United States Postal Service as an Auto and Truck Technician at the Albany Vehicle Maintenance Facility; three years later, he re-enlisted with the Air National Guard working as a loadmaster; and WHEREAS, Gary C. Gershon retired in 2009 after many years of distinguished service to the United States Postal Service; and WHEREAS, Continuing with his passion for aircraft, Gary C. Gershon began volunteering his time and energies to the Empire State Aerocraft Museum (ESAM) where he promotes educational programs to young, future aviators; and WHEREAS, A well-respected United States Air Force veteran, dedicated public servant and loving husband and father, Gary C. Gershon's exemplary military and public service merits the commendation and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; 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 Gary C. Gershon upon the occasion of his designation for special tribute by the United States Postal Service at its Veterans' Day Ceremony; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Gary C. Gershon.