Senate Resolution No. 891

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Dick Petroski upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Lake
Delta Kiwanis on May 17, 2023

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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dick
Petroski upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the Lake Delta Kiwanis on May 17, 2023, to be celebrated at this year's
6th Annual Veteran's Recognition Dinner at the Delta Lake Inn of Rome,
New York; 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, From 1956 to 1957, Dick Petroski completed Boot Camp in
Bainbridge, Maryland and served aboard the USS Whitehall to perform
Combat Patrol Escort and Rescue; and

WHEREAS, Furthering his career, Dick Petroski transferred into the
United States Army to serve in the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg,
North Carolina and attended Jump School; upon completion of Jump School
he was assigned to the reactivated 101st Airborne Division in Fort
Campbell, Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, Truly a well-traveled and experienced serviceman, from 1958
to 1960 Dick Petroski was posted with A Troop, 8th Cav Airborne in
Mannheim, Germany; he returned to the 82nd Airborne Division in November
of 1960; and

WHEREAS, On October 16, 1962, Dick Petroski was deployed with the
4th Brigade and 82nd Airborne to Hurlbut Field to serve in the Special
Operations Wing during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a testament to his
remarkable leadership and bravery in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the United States and protecting the Nation,
Dick Petroski served overseas in Vietnam from 1964 to 1965 and from 1967
to 1968; and

WHEREAS, Dick Petroski's heroic service has led to an impressive
acquisition of military awards and honors, he received the Vietnam
Service with Bronze Service Star; National Defense Service Medal with
Bronze Service Star; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device;
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation; Armed

Forces Expeditionary Medal; Master Parachutist Badge; and a myriad of
weapon qualification badges; and

WHEREAS, Upon retirement from service, Dick Petroski still remained
dedicated to the armed forces by becoming a committed member of various
military service organizations, including the 82nd Airborne Division
Association; Central New York Chapter, as founding Chapter Chairman; The
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post 2246, as Past Commander; Lee
American Legion Post 1194; Frank J. Steczko Polish American Veterans,
Past Commander; lastly, Stanwix Veterans and Mens Club; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 Dick Petroski upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis on May 17, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dick Petroski.