Assembly Resolution No. 936

BY: M. of A. Brook-Krasny

MOURNING the death of Barry Berger, meritorious
veteran, distinguished citizen, and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment, patriotism and dedication, have
served to better the quality of life in the communities across our great
State and Nation, and who have had a measurable positive impact on the
lives of its residents; Barry Berger was one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Barry Berger on December 4,
2023, noting the significance of his purposeful life and
accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Born in Cherkasy, Ukraine on March 11, 1941, Barry Berger
and his family returned to Wroclaw, Poland in 1946; in December of 1958,
he escaped to West Germany with his father and immigrated to the United
States on June 1, 1959; and

WHEREAS, Shortly after arriving in the United States, Barry Berger
raised his hand to defend our nations interests, proudly enlisting in
the United States Army in 1961; he completed basic training in Fort Dix,
New Jersey, and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, as
well as Airborne Training at Fort Benning, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, This brave soldier served in Germany from 1962-1964 in the
3rd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Regiment, Company "E" and HHQ, and
in 1964 he was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he worked as a
Drill Sergeant and as an Automatic Weapons Instructor on the rifle
range; and

WHEREAS, In March of 1966, Barry Berger was deployed to Korea and
served on the DMZ in 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Infantry Regiment,
Company "C" and returned to the United States in September of that same
year; he was then stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia as a Weapons
Instructor on the rifle range; and

WHEREAS, In December of 1967, Barry Berger was once again deployed
to Germany with the 3rd Armor Division, 36th Infantry Regiment, and in
December of 1968, he returned to the United States to attend special
weapons school and South Vietnamese language school at Fort Bragg, North
Carolina and Fort Bliss, Texas; and

WHEREAS, Two years later, in 1969, Barry Berger was deployed to
Vietnam where he courageously served as an advisor to the South
Vietnamese Army in the delta region before returning state side in
December; he was then assigned to Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York, and
then to Fort Lee, Virginia, Headquarters Quartermaster Company; and

WHEREAS, Due to problems with his back, Barry Berger was honorably
discharged on March 11, 1970, after more than eight years of dedicated
service; and


WHEREAS, After having back surgery in 1974, Barry Berger became a
lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 154 where he
held the positions of President, Adjutant and Treasurer; he was also a
lifetime member of Chapter 72 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, and
held the position as 1st Vice Commander; and

WHEREAS, Professionally, Barry Berger spent his illustrious career
as a Senior Communication Specialist for Loews Corporation and retired
in 2005; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his fellow
veterans and the community-at-large, Barry Berger volunteered as
financial advisor on the executive board for the United Military
Veterans of Kings County Memorial Day Parade committee where he assisted
with the planning for Brooklyn's Memorial Day parade; he was awarded the
Patriotism Award for his volunteerism by the United Military Veterans of
Kings County in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Barry Berger was married to his beloved wife, Irene, for 51
years, and they have one daughter, Dyan; and

WHEREAS, Barry Berger's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Barry Berger leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Barry Berger, and to express its deepest condolences
to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Barry Berger.