Honor Veteran Norman Jensen

May 1, 2017 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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Norman W. Jensen posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on Monday, May 1, 2017, at the American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post 1520, Albany, New York; in attendance will be his daughter, Karen Covey; and WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany County Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor A Veteran Committee; the committee was formed to honor a deceased Albany County veteran, who has served his country in time of conflict; the Honor A Veteran Program takes place monthly on the first Monday of each month; and WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country, Norman W. Jensen will be recognized at this year's May Honor A Veteran Ceremony; and WHEREAS, Born on July 26, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, Norman W. Jensen died on December 3, 2015, at the age of 94; and WHEREAS, Norman W. Jensen valiantly served his country as a member of the United States Army-Air Corps from May 20, 1944, until October 14,

1945; and WHEREAS, As a bombardier/navigator in the 445th Bomb Group, Norman W. Jensen achieved the rank of First Lieutenant and courageously fought in 35 combat missions throughout the European Theatre; for this selfless bravery, he earned the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Distinguished Unit Citation; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Norman W. Jensen spent his illustrious career as a Draftsman for the New York State Department of Transportation and Soil Mechanics Bureau; and WHEREAS, Norman W. Jensen was a gifted musician who served as Choir Director at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for more than 20 years; he also volunteered at the Stratton VA Medical Center where he played the organ for its patients; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Norman W. Jensen was Grand Marshal of the 2014 Albany Veterans Day Parade, as well as a member and Commander of the Elks Club, American Legion and VFW Post 8692; 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 gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 honor Norman W. Jensen posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on May 1, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Norman W. Jensen.