Honor Iwo Jima Veteran

Senate Resolution No. 2780 BY: Senator LANZA HONORING the last surviving veteran of the Marine Corps League's Sergeant Angel Mendez Detachment 246, Nicholas M. Troianiello for his brave and noble service to his country 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 from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to pay special tribute to 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 the last surviving veteran of the Marine Corps League's Sergeant Angel Mendez Detachment 246, Nicholas M. Troianiello for his brave and noble service to his country; he will be recognized at the Detachment's Annual Ceremony on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, in conjunction with the observance of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima; and WHEREAS, Nicholas M. Troianiello was born to Vincent and Angelina Troianiello on April 4, 1926, in Staten Island, New York, where he attended Port Richmond High School; and WHEREAS, After graduating in 1944, Nicholas M. Troianiello was a member of the New York State Guard for one year prior to proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps during World War II; he was one of the 30,000 Marines to land on the small Japanese island of Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, marking the turning point of the war in the Pacific Theater; and WHEREAS, The American invasion, designated Operation Detachment, had the goal of capturing the entire island, including the three Japanese-controlled airfields, to provide a staging area for attacks on the Japanese main islands; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War, Nicholas M. Troianiello was awarded the Purple Heart and the Conspicuous Service Award; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Nicholas M. Troianiello returned to his hometown, and became a member of the New York City Fire Department, retiring after 40 years with the esteemed title of Lieutenant; and WHEREAS, Nicholas M. Troianiello married the late Mary A. Troianiello at St. Michael's Church in Staten Island on September 27,

1952, and together, they raised six children, Nicholas, Cathleen, Steven, David, Christopher, and Robert; today, he is the loving grandfather of six grandchildren, John, Jennifer, James, David, Cole, and Jesse; and two great-grandchildren, Michael and David; and WHEREAS, Devoted to the United States Marines and his community, Nicholas M. Troianiello was an active member of the USMC League, 3rd Marine Division Association, the Retired Firefighters Association, and the Devil Dogs; and WHEREAS, In addition to his military accolades, Nicholas M. Troianiello was named both Fireman of the Year and Marine of the Year, and received a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service with the Devil Dogs; and WHEREAS, Kind, generous and always thinking of others, Nicholas M. Troianiello frequently made visits to local veterans' hospitals, and was committed to raising funds for various organizations such as Toys for Tots; and WHEREAS, A devout Catholic, Nicholas M. Troianiello belongs to the New York City Holy Name Society, and takes great pride in treating others the way they would want to be treated; and WHEREAS, When he was not fighting fires, Nicholas M. Troianiello could be found outdoors, whether he was hunting, crabbing, or tending to his gardens, and has enjoyed playing sports such as bocce ball, football, and handball; and WHEREAS, Above all, Nicholas M. Troianiello has always loved spending time with his treasured family, especially during summer vacations at the Jersey Shore; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Nicholas M. Troianiello has 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 honor the last surviving veteran of Marine Corps League's Sergeant Angel Mendez Detachment 246, Nicholas M. Troianiello for his brave and noble service to his country; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Nicholas M. Troianiello.