Honor Army Sergeant's Retirement

years of distinguished service to the United

States Army

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 honor Garrison

Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens upon the occasion of his

retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to the United States

Army; he will officially retire on Friday, June 8, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Tony C. Stephens enlisted in the United States Army in

1988; he attended basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and AIT at

Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious military career, Tony C.

Stephens has held positions as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Senior

Instructor, First Sergeant and Operations Sergeant Major, as well as

Command Sergeant Major, the esteemed position from which he is retiring;

and

WHEREAS, With three decades of steadfast and unwavering service to

his country, this brave soldier's assignments include: 82nd Airborne

Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 3rd COSCOM, Federal Republic of

Germany, 1st COSCOM, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, XVIII Airborne Corps,

Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Polk,

Louisiana, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA), Fort

Bliss, Texas, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado and 75th FA

Brigade, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens holds a Bachelor's

degree in Administrative Management from Excelsior College and a

Master's Degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Texas, El

Paso (UTEP); and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, his military education includes the Primary

Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course,

Maintenance Supervisor Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course,

Battle Staff Course, Support Operations Course, First Sergeant Course,

and he is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy

(Class 61); and

WHEREAS, Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens' awards and

decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal (2OLC), Meritorious Service

Medal (4OLC), Army Commendation Medal (SOLC), Army Achievement Medal

(1OLC), Good Conduct Medal (8th Awd), National Defense Service Medal

with 2 Bronze Stars, Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 Service Stars),

Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Afghanistan Campaign Medal,

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development

Ribbon (Numeral 4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon

(Numeral 5), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation

Medal (Kuwait), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air

Assault Badge, Driver & Mechanic Badge, and he is a recipient of the

Samuel Sharp Award and the Saint Barbara Award; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Miche'I, and their

three children, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in

his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,

Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens continues to demonstrate 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

honor Garrison Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens upon the occasion

of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to the United

States Army; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be

transmitted to Garrison Command Sergeant Major Tony C. Stephens.