Honor Retiring Army Officer

Senate Resolution No. 4092 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after 24 years of faithful military service to the New York Army National Guard WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those individuals who have honorably and courageously served this country, in order to protect the life and liberty of our citizens, and to support civilian authorities during times of emergency; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after 24 years of faithful military service to the New York Army National Guard; and WHEREAS, A helicopter pilot and an Iraq War veteran, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson, recently took his "Final Flight" to commemorate his retirement from the United States Military after 35 years of service; and WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson earned his bachelor's degree from Ebry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and WHEREAS, An aviator with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade in Latham, New York, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson flew several different aircrafts including the UH-1 Huey helicopter, the AH-1 Cobra helicopter gunship, the UH-60 Blackhawk, the UH-72 Lakota, and the C-12 airplane; and WHEREAS, In addition, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson served as both an instructor pilot and a maintenance test pilot; and WHEREAS, From 1983-1987, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division in the United States Army; during this time, he participated in Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada; and WHEREAS, In 1987, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson became a helicopter pilot and was assigned to the Army's 1st Infantry Division, 17th Aviation Brigade and the 10th Mountain Division, serving in Panama, Germany, and Korea; and WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson joined the New York Army National Guard in 1994; he was deployed to Bosnia, Honduras, Iraq, and Kuwait, and was part of an aviation task force which was sent to the Gulf Coast during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; he also helped the many victims of Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy; and WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished military career, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson has received numerous military awards and decorations for his dedicated service including the Meritorious Service Medal, an Air Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, and a Master Army Aviator Badge, as well as a Parachutist Badge; and WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the world; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after 24 years of faithful military service to the New York Army National Guard, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson.