Senate Resolution No. 1693

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Luke Whitting upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Leadership 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 Luke
Whitting upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Leadership 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 Leadership Award is presented to a veteran with
extraordinary leadership in serving fellow veterans and the community;
and

WHEREAS, Luke Whitting was a proud member of the 2/501st Parachute
Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division where he served
for more than five years; he later served in Afghanistan in support of
Operation Freedom's Sentinel and provided base defense which allowed
Special Forces to conduct combat operations against ISIS-K; and

WHEREAS, In March of 2018, Luke Whitting was re-deployed to Fort
Bragg and in January 2020, he was honorably discharged at the esteemed
rank of Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to local
veterans and his community, Luke Whitting serves as Commander of
Glenwood Landing American Legion Post No. 336; 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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Luke Whitting 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 Luke Whitting upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Leadership 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 Luke Whitting.