LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John M. McHugh upon the occasion of his
retirement as Secretary of the United States Army

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John M. McHugh
upon the occasion of his retirement as Secretary of the United States
Army; and
WHEREAS, Secretary McHugh's retirement will be effective in November,
2015; and
WHEREAS, John M. McHugh has served longer than all but two of his
predecessors as Secretary of the Army, and has been a devoted public
servant for decades; and
WHEREAS, A Watertown native, Secretary McHugh is a 1970 graduate of
Utica College with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science, and
a 1977 graduate of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Graduate School of Public
Affairs at the State University at Albany; and
WHEREAS, A former New York State Senator from 1984 to 1992, and a
Congressman representing the North Country for 16 years, where he served
on the House Armed Services Committee, he has served as Army Secretary
since September 2009, after his appointment by President Obama; and
WHEREAS, As Army Secretary, John M. McHugh has maintained responsibil-
ity for all matters relating to the United States Army: manpower,
personnel, reserve affairs, installations, environmental issues, weapons
systems and equipment acquisition, communications, and financial manage-
ment; and
WHEREAS, Secretary McHugh led a work force of more than 1.1 million
active duty, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve Soldiers, 221,000
Department of the Army civilian employees, and 213,000 contracted
service personnel; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Secretary McHugh has helped lead the Army
through a period of challenges and changes, making it a better place
because of his hard work and vision; and
WHEREAS, Secretary McHugh has built a reputation as a strong advocate
for soldiers and their family members; and
WHEREAS, As a former State Senator and Congressman, Secretary McHugh
worked well with lawmakers to better solve issues concerning the mili-
tary; and
WHEREAS, An individual who has truly gone above and beyond to excel in
his career and give back to the local community, John M. McHugh has made
a difference with his dedication to public service; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John M. McHugh upon the occasion of his retirement as Secretary of
the United States Army; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John M. McHugh.