Honor Frank Romeo's Service

Senate Resolution No. 1409 BY: Senator HARCKHAM COMMENDING Frank Romeo 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, Individuals and projects devoted to improving the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and WHEREAS, Frank Romeo has given not only of his time and energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has been designated for special recognition; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Frank Romeo 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, On March 1, 2019, as he celebrated his 70th birthday, veteran Frank Romeo began a 750 mile trek across the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Walk With Frank is a not-for-profit corporation with the mission of utilizing a variety of media and initiatives to educate the public about the devastating impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on military veterans in particular and society in general; and WHEREAS, Starting in the Western Tier of New York State, Frank Romeo will continue through the Southern and Northern Tiers, concluding in the Eastern Tier on June 1, 2019; and WHEREAS, As one of the longest living survivors diagnosed with 100% PTSD related disabilities, Frank Romeo's determination will serve as an inspiration for all veterans struggling with this condition; and WHEREAS, On his journey, Frank Romeo will live in homeless shelters, eat in soup kitchens, and visit organizations frequented by veterans; he plans to live the life of our most fragile members of society, veterans; and WHEREAS, Veteran organizations, business people, political leaders, and the general public can get on and off the trail at any point and walk with Frank Romeo in support; he will also document the stories of veterans displaced by PTSD; these narratives will be the basis of a documentary film; and WHEREAS, In their own words, veterans will have the opportunity to share their experiences, their struggles, and their shattered dreams; as their narratives are woven together, along with commentary by experts in the PTSD field, the documentary film will not only build awareness of the crisis, but also shine a light on how to move forward in saving the lives and dignity of so many veterans; and WHEREAS, This project will benefit many lives and possibly change the way America looks at our homeless problem by attempting to alter a mentality that is archaic and out of touch with a socially crippling disease; and WHEREAS, As one of the longest living veterans diagnosed with 100% PTSD related disabilities, the cause and effect of this disease has not only consumed Frank Romeo's life but also fueled his work; and WHEREAS, Frank Romeo's program "The Art of War" has traveled around the country in a spirit of truth, healing, and understanding post trauma; in the last 30 years, he has traveled many miles and has reached tens of thousands of people touched by its amazement; 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, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Frank Romeo has displayed throughout his life; 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 commend Frank Romeo 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 Frank Romeo.