Honor Albany Veteran Posthumously

Senate Resolution No. 2554 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Howard J. Johnson Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on February 3, 2020 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Howard J. Johnson Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, February 3, 2020, at the Zaloga Post No. 1520, Albany, 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, created to honor a deceased Albany County veteran who served his country in time of conflict; the Honor a Veteran Program takes place on the first Monday of each month; and WHEREAS, Howard J. Johnson Jr. was born on November 26, 1950, in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, In February 1968, Howard J. Johnson Jr. enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Military; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Howard J. Johnson Jr. was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in March of

1970, Howard J. Johnson Jr. was employed with Project Strive and Parsons Child and Family Center in Albany, New York, where he worked in Human Services helping at risk youth; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Howard J. Johnson Jr., served on a congressional commission regarding Veterans and made testimony regarding issues that impacted Veterans and their families to the United States Congress; and WHEREAS, In his free time, Howard J. Johnson Jr. enjoyed fishing, chess, art, music, theater, cooking, and playing cards; he also enjoyed trips to the Saratoga Race Track, Cape Cod, and Nantucket; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was a proud member of the Marine Corps Leathernecks Motorcycle Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans, and Disabled American Veterans; and WHEREAS, Howard J. Johnson Jr. died on June 15, 2019, at the age of

68; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Howard J. Johnson Jr. demonstrated 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 commend Howard J. Johnson Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor a Veteran Ceremony on February 3, 2020; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Howard J. Johnson Jr.