Honor Veteran Ruben Cespedes

Senate Resolution No. 2385 BY: Senator BYNOE COMMENDING Specialist Ruben Cespedes upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Specialist Ruben Cespedes upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, Specialist Ruben Cespedes of Freeport, New York, is a United States Army veteran, and he lives a life defined by a commitment to service and protecting others; and WHEREAS, During his courageous service in the United States Army, Specialist Ruben Cespedes was a member of Company A, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, which is one of the Army's most distinguished and highly respected active-duty divisions; and WHEREAS, While deployed in Afghanistan in November of 2009, Specialist Ruben Cespedes was serving as a gunner in the second vehicle of a Quick Reaction Force mission in Logar Province; during this mission, the first vehicle struck an explosive device, which sent a shrapnel into Specialist Ruben Cespedes' face; and WHEREAS, Specialist Ruben Cespedes sustained facial injuries and dizziness after the explosive blast; following the injury, he was transported to a medical facility and received treatment, including an evaluation for a traumatic brain injury; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his service and injury, Specialist Ruben Cespedes initially received the Combat Action Badge, but he did not immediately receive the Purple Heart; after 17 years of seeking out proper recognition for his service and injuries, Specialist Ruben Cespedes was proudly awarded the Purple Heart, one of the Nation's oldest and most respected military decorations; and WHEREAS, After completing his service with the United States Army, Specialist Ruben Cespedes was determined to continue to serve and protect his community; he has continued his public service career at the New York Police Department, where he serves admirably as a sergeant; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, especially those who were injured in the line of duty; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Specialist Ruben Cespedes 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 Specialist Ruben Cespedes upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Specialist Ruben Cespedes.