Honor Veteran Rick Falcone

Senate Resolution No. 3051 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Veteran Rick Falcone upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club on May 19, 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 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 Veteran Rick Falcone upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club to be celebrated at a dinner on Tuesday, May

1969, and attended both Boot Camp and Engineman "A" School in Great Lakes, Illinois; and WHEREAS, Following Boot Camp, Rick Falcone was stationed at Mare Island, Vallejo, California, where he attended special boat school and weapons training; he also went to Survival School - (S.E.R.E) on Whidbey Island, Washington State; and WHEREAS, Rick Falcone volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam, arriving there in January of 1970; he was first assigned to River Division 571 before being transferred to River Division 573 in May of that same year; and WHEREAS, Seven months later, he returned to the United States where he was assigned to USS Desoto County (LST 1171) Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia, and then to USS Ponce (LPD) 15) in Norfolk; and WHEREAS, Rick Falcone was honorably discharged in April of 1973; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Rick Falcone received numerous medals and commendations, including: Purple Heart w/sword (2 Purple Hearts), Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat V, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/palm, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal w/palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960, Combat action ribbons, Navy Expert Rifle Medal, and Navy Expert Pistol Medal; and WHEREAS, Rick Falcone founded the Mohawk Valley Chapter 708 in 1992, and served as its President until 2008; he also formed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in 2004, serving as President since its inception; furthermore, he served for two years as President of the Rome Veterans Council; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Rick Falcone is a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Royal Order of the Purple Heart; and a member of both the Ukrainian Veterans and Men's Club and the Frank J. Stecko Post; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Rick Falcone demonstrates his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of this 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 Veteran Rick Falcone upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club on May 19, 2020; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rick Falcone.