Honor General German’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 581 BY: Senator SEWARD CONGRATULATING Major General Anthony German upon the occasion of his retirement after 36 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force, the New York Air National Guard, and New York State WHEREAS, Individuals who dedicate their lives to military service merit the commendation and applause of all citizens for their commitment to the preservation of American freedom; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed residents of this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Major General Anthony German upon the occasion of his retirement after 36 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force and Air National Guard; this momentous occasion was celebrated on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Stratton Air National Guard Base, Schenectady, New York; and WHEREAS, A native of Oneonta, New York, Anthony German joined the United States Air Force in 1982, as a college graduate with the desire to learn how to fly airplanes; and WHEREAS, Anthony German spent six years as a navigator before joining the New York Air National Guard in 1989; and WHEREAS, As a member of the New York Air National Guard, Major General Anthony German made several migrations to the South Pole, flying the only ski-equipped planes in the military; his military service has taken him to five continents and involved support in South American drug wars; he played a key role in coordinating New York Air National Guard participation in the State's response to Tropical Storms Irene and Lee in 2011, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012; and WHEREAS, Major General Anthony German has logged more than 4,900 flying hours across the globe, with many in Antarctica; in 2018, the National Science Foundation named a glacier after this expert Navigator in recognition of his work, including the coordination of military support for research efforts in Antarctica and Greenland; and WHEREAS, Former commander for the 109th Airlift Wing, Major General Anthony German served as mission commander for the rescue of Jerri Nielsen, a doctor who diagnosed and treated her breast cancer at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in the southern winter of 1988, a time when the station was physically isolated from the rest of the world; and WHEREAS, In 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo selected General German as the 53rd adjutant general of the New York National Guard; and WHEREAS, Major General Anthony German's last assignment was as special assistant to the director of the Air National Guard; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to serving his country, Major General Anthony German has inspired countless military personnel from the youngest airmen to the highest ranking colonel; and WHEREAS, In his retirement, Major General Anthony German has maintained his taste for the cold and outdoors, celebrating with ice fishing on Great Sacandaga Lake; he looks forward to spending more time in nature; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Major General Anthony German demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, During his service, Major General German has been encouraged and supported by his wife, Diana, and children,Joshua, Ben, Zach and Rebekah; 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 congratulate Major General Anthony German upon the occasion of his retirement after 36 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force and New York Air National Guard; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Major General Anthony German.