Honor Sergeant Bloomfield's Service

Senate Resolution No. 2218 BY: Senator PERSAUD HONORING Sergeant Raymond Owen Bloomfield 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, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Sergeant Raymond Owen Bloomfield 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, Born in Jamaica, West Indies, Raymond Owen Bloomfield and his parents migrated to Harlem, New York, where he attended Chelsea Vocational High School; and WHEREAS, Raymond Owen Bloomfield proudly served his country as a Support Platoon Leader with the Transportation Battalion and several other units of the United States Army during the Vietnam War; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Raymond Owen Bloomfield was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Army Service Ribbon; and WHEREAS, After several years of civilian life, Raymond Owen Bloomfield reenlisted in the United States Army Reserve in March of

1980; as a Reservist, he was called to the Gulf War - Saudia Arabia from January of 1991 to June of 1991; upon his return, he continued his service until his retirement in 2010; and WHEREAS, Upon retirement from the United States Army after 20 years of dedicated service, Raymond Owen Bloomfield received the Meritorious Service Medal; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Helen Bazzey; their two children, Andrea and Brandon; and four grandchildren, Alexis, Synia, Dylan and Ebony, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad, Raymond Owen Bloomfield 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 honor Sergeant Raymond Owen Bloomfield 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 Sergeant Raymond Owen Bloomfield.