Senate Resolution No. 893

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Senior Chief Michael J. Grogan, 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 Senior
Chief Michael J. Grogan 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, Michael J. Grogan was born in Albany, New York in 1962, and
graduated from Colonie Central High School in 1980; ten days later, he
was attending Boot Camp in San Antonio, Texas with the U.S. Air Force;
and

WHEREAS, While on active duty, Michael J. Grogan spent ten years
stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base (AFB), Rome, New York; during his
tour at Griffiss AFB, he was assigned to the 416 Organizational
Maintenance Squadron (OMS) to maintain B-52's; and

WHEREAS, He was later selected in 1985 to represent Griffiss AFB as
their Crew Chief to compete in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Weapons
Load Competition; and

WHEREAS, In 1990, after ten years of active-duty service in the Air
Force, Michael J. Grogan instead decided to pursue a civilian career;
and

WHEREAS, In 1994, Michael J. Grogan affiliated with the U.S. Navy
Reserves as a Seabee; he was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion (NMCB) 13; Detachment 13 Frankfort, New York; shortly after,
he was assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202,
Groton, Connecticut; and

WHEREAS, In 2000, while assigned to CBMU 202, he was promoted to the
rank of Chief Petty Officer; after his promotion, he was assigned as the
Officer in Charge (MC) of a detachment of Seabees in Newport, Rhode
Island; and


WHEREAS, In 2001, he was mobilized with the New York Naval Militia
in support of the World Trade Center Attack; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, the Naval Construction Force had a force
realignment which combined all CBMU 202 personnel to now be reassigned
to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 27; while assigned to NMCB
27, Michael J. Grogan maintained his position as OIC at Newport, Rhode
Island; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, Michael J. Grogan was mobilized with NMCB 5, an
active-duty battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; while in
Iraq, he earned his Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Badge and was
awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal for his duties while supporting
the U.S. Special Operations Forces; and

WHEREAS, Upon his return in 2006, Michael J. Grogan was promoted to
his current rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and was reassigned to the
7th Naval Construction Regiment, Newport, Rhode Island as the Current
Operations Chief; and

WHEREAS, Senior Chief Michael J. Grogan is a qualified Seabee Combat
Warfare Specialist, Senior Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, and Master
Crew Chief; he also holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Airframe and Powerplant License; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous accolades, Senior Chief Michael
J. Grogan has been given the following esteemed awards and medals: Army
Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Air Force
Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; USAF
Outstanding Unit Award; USAF Good Conduct Medal; National Defense
Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism
Service Medal; Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; Iraq
Campaign Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal WI "M"; Sea Service
Deployment Ribbon; Navy and Marine Corp Overseas Service Ribbon; USAF
Longevity Service Award; Air Force NCO PME Graduate Ribbon; USAF BMT
Ribbon; USAF Small Arms Expert Ribbon; Navy Expert Rifleman Marksmanship
Medal; Navy Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal; New York Defense of
Liberty Medal with the World Trade Center (WTC) device; and the New York
Conspicuous Service Cross; and

WHEREAS, Always active in his community, Senior Chief Michael J.
Grogan has been involved with the following veterans and community
organizations: Commander Henry P. Smith Post #24; Chaplin Henry P. Smith
Post #24; President Rome Veterans Council; Chaplin Rome Veterans
Council; President Rome Memorial Day Association; and Chaplin Rome
Memorial Day Association; 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 Senior Chief Michael J. Grogan 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 Senior Chief Michael J. Grogan.