Honor Lester R. Muse, Jr.

Senate Resolution No. 3062 BY: Senator COMRIE HONORING Lester R. Muse, Jr. for his many years of dedicated community service to Southeast Queens, New York, by V.E.T.S. Inc. on August 4, 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 individuals who would 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 honor Lester R. Muse, Jr. for his many years of dedicated community service to Southeast Queens, New York, by V.E.T.S. Inc., to be celebrated at a Dinner Dance on Friday, August 4, 2017, at Thomasina's in Queens; and WHEREAS, V.E.T.S. Inc., is a non-profit organization based in Queens which opened a 10-bed residential facility for formerly displaced veterans; and WHEREAS, One of New York's most decorated veterans, Sergeant Lester R. Muse, Jr. proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army for more than 11 years, including 34 months of active combat in the Republic of Vietnam; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Lester R. Muse, Jr. was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star "V" for Valor, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; and WHEREAS, A graduate of MACV Recondo School, 5th Special Forces, Lester R. Muse, Jr. served as a Drill Instructor at Fort Dix, New Jersey; for his outstanding leadership, he was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharge, Lester R. Muse, Jr. worked for the United States Postal Service, retiring as Supervisor of Distribution Operations; and WHEREAS, In addition to his awards and accolades, in 2010, Lester R. Muse, Jr. was inducted into the Veterans' Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Lester R. Muse, Jr. held the esteemed position of Director of Veteran Affairs for former New York State Senator Shirley Huntley; in this capacity, he assisted veterans throughout the state, ensuring they receive proper care, benefits and treatment; additionally, he advised the New York State Senate on policy and legislative issues relating to veterans; and WHEREAS, He was also the Director of Veteran Affairs for Senator Malcolm A. Smith, the former Majority Leader & President Pro Tempore of the New York State Senate; in this role he created and implemented an extremely successful "Send A Vet A Valentine" Program; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to the livelihood of veterans, Lester R. Muse, Jr. is a lifelong member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Vietnam Veterans of America; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Lester R. Muse, Jr. demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Those individuals, who have given so selflessly of their skills and dedication, are worthy and due full recognition for their valued contributions on behalf of their country and its ideals, upholding the patriotic character and principled ideals of organizations in service to their fellowman; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Lester R. Muse, Jr. for his many years of dedicated community service to Southeast Queens, New York, and to wish him a very Happy 70th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Lester R. Muse, Jr.