Honor Bunkers in Baghdad

Senate Resolution No. 398 BY: Senator RANZENHOFER COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of Bunkers in Baghdad WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing and honoring those individuals and organizations selflessly dedicated to protecting and improving the health and well-being of our nation's veterans; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Bunkers in Baghdad; this momentous occasion was celebrated in October of 2018; and WHEREAS, Bunkers in Baghdad was founded in 2008, by Joe Hanna, an avid golfer who leads the sports and entertainment practice at the law firm Goldberg Segalla; today, he continues to manage its daily operations, personally sorting, packaging and shipping donated golf equipment; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, this vital organization has provided more than 9.7 million golf balls and 765,000 golf clubs to the brave men and women in the armed forces; its shipments have reached troops and veterans throughout all 50 states and in 65 countries, including combat zones, active military installations and VA hospitals; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Bunkers in Baghdad has helped build driving ranges in Iraq and Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, Funded exclusively through donations, Bunkers in Baghdad has national partnerships with Callaway Golf, Topgolf, and Dick's Sporting Goods, as well as some of Erie County's most prominent businesses, including the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Pegula Sports and Entertainment, Delaware North, Adpro Sports, Rich Products, New Era, and North American Breweries to name a few; and WHEREAS, Through its Bunkers Buddies program, the organization has inspired kids in more than 525 schools nationwide to hold equipment drives and write thousands of personal letters in support of United States troops; and WHEREAS, For some, the golf balls and clubs provided by Bunkers in Baghdad serve as tools to make their injury rehabilitation routines more effective and enjoyable; for others, the donated golf equipment provides a much needed outlet for stress relief and recreation; and WHEREAS, The success of Bunkers in Baghdad is in direct correlation to the efforts of Joe Hanna, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations 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 commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Bunkers in Baghdad; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Joe Hanna, Bunkers in Baghdad.