Senate Resolution No. 1691

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Chad Ryals upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Community Service
Award by the Tribute and Honor Foundation on
February 3, 2024

WHEREAS, Members of the United States Armed Forces, who served so
faithfully and courageously in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at
stake, as well as in the preservation of peace during peacetime, deserve
the highest commendation of this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Chad Ryals
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Community
Service Award by the Tribute and Honor Foundation, to be celebrated at
its 3rd Annual Phoenix Rising Awards ceremony on Saturday, February 3,
2024, at Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Tribute and Honor Foundation exists to honor, pay
tribute, and celebrate our veterans and the veteran community, while
also seeking out opportunities to support our heroes and their families;
and

WHEREAS, The Community Service Award is presented to a veteran with
a long-time commitment to serving fellow veterans and their community at
large; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of the 2024 Community Service Award is Chad
Ryals for his hard work and always going over and beyond the call of
duty in serving fellow veterans and the people of the North Shore; and

WHEREAS, Chad Ryals was born and raised in Converse, Louisiana, and
is the seventh generation of his family to serve in the military; he is
the current Chaplain of James E. Donohue VFW Post 347 and is a highly
decorated former U.S. Army Ranger with the 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger
Regiment; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Chad Ryals
received the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts; and

WHEREAS, After his years of admirable service, Chad Ryals started a
National crisis hotline for veterans, thusly earning the esteemed
Community Service Award from the Tribute and Honor Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Chad Ryals 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 Chad Ryals upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Community Service Award by the Tribute and Honor Foundation on
February 3, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chad Ryals.