Honor Melvin Roads Squadron Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2239 BY: Senator MARCHIONE COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion on June 3, 2017 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 commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion to be celebrated at a picnic on Saturday,

1977; approximately 30 people were listed on the Charter; and WHEREAS, Elections were held, and Billy Fisher was elected Commander, Kevin Harrington, was selected as First Vice Commander, and Tony Rossello was named Second Vice Commander; once the other officer positions were filled, they approved a constitution and bylaws and opened a bank account; and WHEREAS, In 1979 and 1980, Kevin Harrington served as Commander, and Tony Rossello held this position in 1981 and 1982; a short time after the Squadron's reactivating, Tom Thibault and Paul Rossello joined this vital organization; both men held several leadership positions throughout the years; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40 year history, the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The Squadron assisted the American Legion Post by placing flags at the graves of veterans for Memorial Day, and proudly marching alongside them in the parade; and WHEREAS, In addition, the members of the Squadron attended many Veterans Day, birthday, Installation and State Officer Visitation Dinners and other projects; they also raised funds through various activities including spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts, annual ham raffles, trivial pursuit contests, and Halloween parties, as well as dances with live music; and WHEREAS, The Squadron also supported numerous worthy activities and organizations such as the American Legion Boys State, Camp Good Days and Special Times, the Albany VA, AT Disease Foundation, American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Fischer House, and other state commander projects; the men donated a six foot projector screen television and equipment for the Post, and clothes for homeless veterans; and WHEREAS, Since about 1980, several members have represented the Squadron at the county, district, state and national levels of the Sons and state American Legion Press Association; one man serves on the National ALPA; and WHEREAS, The Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion has awarded honorary life membership to six members and an honorary squadron mom, Anne Harrington, for their many years of valuable service to the organization; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Squadron has made special presentations to recognize its longtime advisor, Ernest Hotaling, who was the longest serving squadron advisor in the nation with 35 years when he passed away in 2012, at the age of 90; and WHEREAS, Currently, the Squadron is under the luminous leadership of Commander, Kevin Harrington; Adjutant, Paul Rossello; Vice Commanders, Dominic Indelicato and Jack Cain; Treasurer, William Baker who also serves as the Sons' Third District Commander and Vice President of its Riders Chapter; and WHEREAS, The success of the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, 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, Today, the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion continues its dedication to fostering the traditions of patriotism, excellence, and commitment which have made our nation strong; it is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the significance of their contributions and to note their worthy endeavors which have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Melvin Roads Squadron No. 1231 Sons of The American Legion, and to commend its members, past and present, on behalf of a grateful community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kevin Harrington, Commander, Melvin Roads Squadron No.