LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring veteran Gene McNamara upon the occasion
of the recognition of his distinguished military service at a Memorial
Day celebration on May 23, 2014

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 peace-
time, 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 honor veteran Gene
McNamara upon the occasion of the recognition of his distinguished mili-
tary service at a Memorial Day celebration on May 23, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Bayside, Queens, New York, Gene McNamara of White-
stone, New York, graduated from Benjamin Cardozo High School, before he
began serving his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps
in August of 1974; and
WHEREAS, Gene McNamara attended basic training at Parris Island, South
Carolina, and was then sent to Camp Pendleton, California, 1st Marine
Division, where he attended Infantry Training School; and
WHEREAS, Upon completion of Infantry Training School, Gene McNamara
was deployed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, 3rd Marine Division, in February
of 1975, and assigned to the 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Delta Company
2nd Platoon; and
WHEREAS, While he was stationed overseas, Gene McNamara was assigned
to USS Blue Ridge for special refugee evacuation operations off the
coast of Vietnam in April 1975; following the evacuation, he was
deployed to assist in the recovery operation of the SS Mayaguez, which
was to be the last combat mission in Southeast Asia; and
WHEREAS, After serving overseas, Gene McNamara returned to Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina, 2nd Marine Division, and finished his tour of
duty with the 3rd Battalion 6th Marines; and
WHEREAS, After being honorably discharged as a Lance/Corporal from the
Marine Corps, Gene McNamara returned home where he worked as a laborer
for a few years, found employment with the post office in 1979, and
later worked for the New York Police Department where he retired as a
Lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, Gene McNamara earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Police
Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and has since
returned to the Federal work force where he currently works for the
Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Security Management Unit; and
WHEREAS, Gene McNamara is the recipient of numerous awards and acco-
lades for his bravery and sacrifice during his service including
Commanding Generals Certificate of Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation,
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one
Bronze Star, and Humanitarian Service Medal with a Bronze Numeral "2";
and
WHEREAS, Today, Gene McNamara is a devoted member of the Whitestone
American Legion Post No. 131, and the Whitestone VFW Post No. 4787 where
he holds the position of Junior Vice President; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his three beautiful daughters,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; 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, 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 his patriotism both at home and abroad, Gene
McNamara 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
honor veteran Gene McNamara upon the occasion of the recognition of his
distinguished military service at a Memorial Day celebration on May 23,
2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to veteran Gene McNamara.