Honor Joseph V. Gill

Senate Resolution No. 2371 BY: Senator LARKIN HONORING Joseph V. Gill upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Written Word Award by the Friends of the Highland Falls Library on June 3, 2017 WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joseph V. Gill upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the

3, 2017, at the Highland Falls Library, in Highland Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, The Written Word Award recognizes the exceptional talent and achievement of an author residing in the Highland Falls community; currently, Joseph V. Gill holds the title of General Manager of the local newspaper, The News of the Highlands; and WHEREAS, Born in Kingston, New York, Joseph V. Gill was raised in Highland Falls; at the young age of 12, he began his career with The News of the Highlands as an apprentice; after graduation from high school, he attended the New York Institute of Photography in New York City; and WHEREAS, Joseph V. Gill proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War; from 1969-1970, he was assigned to the 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta; and WHEREAS, Attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, Joseph V. Gill was the recipient of numerous military decorations while engaged in active combat including two Bronze Stars (one for Valor), two Air Medals, five Army Commendation Medals (three for valorous actions in direct contact with the enemy) and the Combat Infantryman Badge; and WHEREAS, After his discharge, Joseph V. Gill returned to work at The News of the Highlands; after its owners, the Sidamon-Eristoff family, bought The Cornwall Local, Joseph moved to Cornwall to work for that paper; over the years, he rose to the position of Vice President and General Manager of the two newspapers and the commercial print division; and WHEREAS, In 1986, Joseph V. Gill became a board member of the New York Press Association, an organization representing some 300 weekly newspapers throughout the State of New York; he was elected to the position of President of this vital organization in 1992; and WHEREAS, Joseph V. Gill served as a member and attained board positions on numerous civic and nonprofit organizations throughout his career including President and Lieutenant of the Highland Falls Fire Department, board member of the Cornwall Public Library, Museum of the Hudson Highlands, Cornwall Independence Day Committee, Friends of the Cornwall Public Library, Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, and Friends of the West Point Library, as well as the Army Hockey Association; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Joseph V. Gill upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Written Word Award by the Friends of the Highland Falls Library on June 3, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Joseph V. Gill, General Manager, The News of the Highlands.