Honor General Piatt's Service

Senate Resolution No. 1297 BY: Senator RITCHIE HONORING Major General Walter E. Piatt upon the completion of his service as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division 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, 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Major General Walter E. Piatt upon the completion of his service as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, with the occasion marked at a change-of-command ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Fort Drum's Memorial Park; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Somerset Area High School, Major General Walter E. Piatt enlisted in the United States Army in 1979 and served as an infantryman for four years; and WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt later attended Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology; in 1987, he then commissioned as a Second Lieutenant; and WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt's military education includes the School of Advanced Military Studies, as well as a fellowship with the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University's Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service; and WHEREAS, In addition, he holds two masters degrees in Military History and Military Science and an honorary doctorate degree for Public Service from Lock Haven University; and WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt served with the 10th Mountain Division from 1999-2003 as the S3 for 4-31 IN Polar Bears, S3 for the 2nd Commando Brigade, Secretary to the General Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and the XO for the 1st Warrior Brigade; he later returned to Fort Drum to serve as the DCG-S for the 10th Mountain Division from

2012-2013; and WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt also served in numerous other assignments across the globe, including tours in Germany, Korea, Panama, Hawaii and Alaska; furthermore, he completed several operational deployments including to Suriname, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq; and WHEREAS, Before being named Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, Major General Walter E. Piatt served at the Pentagon as the Director of Army Operations, Readiness, and Mobilization and then as the Director of Operations, Army Rapid Capabilities Office; and WHEREAS, During his time as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, Major General Walter E. Piatt deployed to Iraq with the Division's headquarters battalion from March to August of 2018, where he had the honor of commanding, and ultimately casing, the colors of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command headquarters, with command transferred to the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve; and WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, and assigned to serve in Washington, D.C. as the Director of Army Staff, handing the command of the 10th Mountain Division to Major General Brian J. Mennes; and WHEREAS, Major General Walter E. Piatt will forever be known for his efforts to elevate the 10th Mountain Division to new heights, uphold its distinct legacy for being thought of as "Mountain Tough," and for preparing our nation's heroes for whatever missions lie ahead; and WHEREAS, The North Country community will remember Major General Walter E. Piatt for his tireless efforts to better connect Fort Drum to the North Country's civilian community; and WHEREAS, Although he will be far from the North Country, he will always be considered a friend, and will be kept in the thoughts and prayers of many as he moves on to continue serving our nation and working tirelessly to protect our freedom; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Major General Walter E. Piatt has demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Major General Walter E. Piatt upon the completion of his service as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Major General Walter E. Piatt.