Senate Resolution No. 46

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Sergeant First Class Vincent
Scalise upon the occasion of his retirement after 24
years of distinguished service to the Army National
Guard, the United States Marine Corps, 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 Vincent Scalise upon the occasion of his retirement after
24 years of distinguished service to the Army National Guard, the United
States Marine Corps, and New York State; and

WHEREAS, A native of Utica, New York, Vincent Scalise graduated from
Proctor High School and Mohawk Valley Community College; he continued
his education at Southern Vermont College where he earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in Environmental Studies; and

WHEREAS, Vincent Scalise enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
in November of 1990, and served four years before joining the New York
Army National Guard where he proudly served for more than two decades;
and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Marine Corps Basic Training, Vincent
Scalise began his service to his country as a basic rifleman with the
United States Marine Corps in 1991; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Sergeant First Class Vincent Scalise participated
in homeland security operations in downstate New York; the following
year, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was deployed to Iraq,
where the mission was to stabilize operations in Central Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Upon his return to the United States in 2005, Sergeant
First Class Vincent Scalise was assigned as the Admin NCO; in 2011, he
was promoted to Training NCO and was responsible for sending over 150
soldiers to MOS, NCOPD and ASI schools in preparation for an upcoming
deployment; the following year, this courageous man was deployed to
Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Vincent Scalise is currently assigned
as an assistant Operations NCO for 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry
Regiment, S3 Section; he most recently participated in the NYARNG
response to both the COVID-19 Pandemic and the U.S. Capital Security
Operations; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Sergeant First Class Vincent Scalise
participated in three NTC Rotations, three JRTC Rotations, and one JMRC
Rotation; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant First Class Vincent Scalise has been the recipient
of numerous military awards and accolades for his steadfast and
unremitting commitment to his country; his decorations include the Army
Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National
Defense Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces
Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Outstanding Military
Volunteer Award, Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon, NCO Professional
Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Overseas Service
Ribbon, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Colonel Governor Morris
Citizen Soldier Award; and

WHEREAS, After returning from Iraq, Vincent Scalise witnessed a
large number of Veterans suffering from an assortment of difficulties;
very few had any options for assistance in Central New York; wishing to
help in any way he could, this extraordinary man founded the Utica
Center for Development Inc.; and

WHEREAS, As Executive Director of the Center, Vincent Scalise
provides assistance to approximately 1,200 veterans and their families
each year throughout Utica, Watertown and Stamford, as well as all of
Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Lewis, Jefferson, Otsego, Delaware, Greene,
Ulster, Schoharie, Chenango and St. Lawrence counties; and

WHEREAS, During his service, Sergeant First Class Vincent Scalise
has been encouraged and supported by his loving wife, Jennifer, and
their two children, Andrew and Adrianna, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Sergeant First Class Vincent Scalise 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
congratulate Sergeant First Class Vincent Scalise upon the occasion of
his retirement after 24 years of distinguished service to the Army
National Guard, the United States Marine Corps and New York State; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sergeant First Class Vincent Scalise.