Honor General McNeil’s Service

Senate Resolution No. 3992 BY: Senator HANNON COMMENDING General Joseph A. McNeil 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 commend General Joseph A. McNeil 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, In recognition of his heroic and remarkable life, a street and a school in Hempstead, New York, will be renamed in General McNeil's honor on Tuesday, February 27, 2018; and WHEREAS, A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, General McNeil earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from North Carolina A & T State University in 1963; and WHEREAS, General McNeil has truly led a meritorious life; for six years, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War; at the time of his discharge, he had attained the esteemed rank of Captain; years later, he officially retired as a Major General in the Air Force Reserves; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, General McNeil was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with silver star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze star, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and WHEREAS, A resident of Hempstead for 44 years, General McNeil has worked as a computer salesman for IBM, a commercial banker for Bankers Trust in New York City, and a stock broker for E.F. Hutton; and WHEREAS, In 1960, General McNeil was one of the original four men who participated in the Greensboro sit-ins, a series of nonviolent protests in Greensboro, North Carolina; this peaceful protest led to the Woolworth Company department store chain removing its policy of racial segregation in the Southern United States; and WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of individuals such as General McNeil who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all; 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, General McNeil 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 commend General Joseph A. McNeil 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 General Joseph A. McNeil.