Honor Veteran Helen Brockley

September 6, 2016 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 peacetime, deserve a special salute; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Helen M. Brockley posthumously upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post, Delmar, New York; and WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany County Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor-A-Veteran Committee to honor deceased Albany County Veterans who have served their country in times of conflict; and WHEREAS, For her courageous and dedicated service to her country, Helen M. Brockley will be recognized at this year's September Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony; and WHEREAS, Helen M. Brockley, who died on December 30, 2015, at the age of 92, served her country with honor and distinction from March 15,

1945-August 29, 1946, as a member of the United States Army; and WHEREAS, A 2nd Lieutenant in the 249 General Hospital Unit, Helen M. Brockley served in World War II as a nurse in the Pacific Theatre; in this capacity, she engaged in general nursing duties, and worked in both primary surgical and communicable disease wards in the 4th General Hospital, Ft. McKinley, Manila, Philippines; and WHEREAS, For her meritorious service, she was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon her discharge, Helen M. Brockley continued to work as a nurse and volunteered her time and energy to the VA Hospital, donating over 1,500 hours to her fellow veterans; in addition, she held the title of President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Blanchard Post 1040; and WHEREAS, In 2003, this exceptional woman was the recipient of the American Legion United States Army Active Duty Woman Veteran of the Year Award; 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 honor Helen M. Brockley posthumously upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on September 6, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Helen M. Brockley.