Senate Resolution No. 892

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Earl Arnold 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 Earl
Arnold 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, Earl Arnold, affectionately known as "E.P.", joined the
United States Air Force in 1952 and attended Boot Camp at Sampson Air
Force Base in New York; and

WHEREAS, At his initial posting to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Earl
Arnold completed Lineman training; he later transferred to Carswell Air
Force Base and served as an Aircraft Electrician; and

WHEREAS, In 1953, Earl Arnold served in North Africa with the 11th
Bomb Wing and returned to Carswell AFB after six months; and

WHEREAS, Earl Arnold voluntary discharged in 1956, and rejoined the
United States Air Force the same year after working as a civilian for
less than 90 days; and

WHEREAS, Truly a well-traveled and experienced airman, Earl Arnold
was posted to Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York as an Aircraft
Electrician until 1959; then from 1959 to 1961 he transferred to Stewart
Field near West Point, New York; and

WHEREAS, Some of his many achievements and endeavors while serving
include: completing Jump Certification and Advanced Freefall Jump
Qualification at Montgomery, New York in 1959; receiving certification
as Jump Master; serving as Jump Instructor at West Point for Cadet Jump
training as well as United States Air Force members; and

WHEREAS, From 1960 to 1962, Earl Arnold transferred to the United
States Air Force Counter Insurgency Program and posted to various bases

and postings in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and the
Philippines; and

WHEREAS, Earl Arnold valiantly served in many tours and from 1962 to
1965 he was posted to Griffiss Air Force Base in New York with the 49th
Fighter Intercept Squadron; from 1965 to 1966 he was posted to Vietnam
with the 14th Air Commandos of the United States Air Force; from 1966 to
1969 he returned to Griffiss Air Force Base with Strategic Air Command,
including a temporary duty assignment to Guam and South East Asia for
air combat missions; lastly, from 1969 to 1972 he remained at Griffiss
Air Force Base as an Aircraft Electrician with Strategic Air Command
until his retirement in August of 1972; and

WHEREAS, Completing three tours of duty in Vietnam, Earl Arnold flew
counter insurgency missions and "Bird Bog" missions, including the
attack on Bien Hoa Airbase, furthermore, in 1968 to 1969, he proudly
flew combat and bombing missions; and

WHEREAS, Earl Arnold's heroic service has led to an impressive
acquisition of miliary awards and honors, he received the Air and Space
Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Ribbon with a Bronze Star;
United Nations Service Medal with a Bronze Star; Vietnam Service Medal
with a Bronze Star; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Presidential
Unit Citation; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with two oak leaves;
Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship; and a
myriad of other awards and decorations; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Colleen Arnold, and
their five children, Paula Eason, Earl Paul Arnold II, Timothy Arnold,
Frank Arnold, and Ryan Arnold, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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 Earl Arnold 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 Earl Arnold.