LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Captain David Cotto for his outstand-
ing service with the Civil Air Patrol

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, Captain David Cotto has given not only of his time and ener-
gies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and conse-
quently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Captain
David Cotto for his outstanding service with the Civil Air Patrol; and
WHEREAS, The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the United
States Air Force with over 57,000 members nationwide; it performs 90
percent of the continental United States inland search and rescue
missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center; and
WHEREAS, Captain David Cotto has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol
since 1982, and currently serves as the Deputy Commander of the Vedder
Composite Squadron; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the Civil Air Patrol, this esteemed man has
been called upon to assist on numerous search and rescue missions, both
distressed and non-distressed; he has remained steadfast in his duties
to serve others whenever the call has arisen; and
WHEREAS, Captain David Cotto has furthered his skills, knowledge and
expertise to achieve the high status of Search and Rescue Training Acad-
emy Center Elite Instructor, also known as a SARTAC Black Hat Instruc-
tor; and
WHEREAS, As a trainee, graduate, and now SARTAC Black Hat Instructor
of the Search and Rescue Training, Academy Center in Long Island,
Captain David Cotto is a highly regarded instructor whose training
expertise is most sought after by Civil Air Patrol members across New
York State; and
WHEREAS, Captain David Cotto has also had the privilege of training
SARTAC's first class of women in the Emergency Services Program and
hopes to advance the training program throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Captain David Cotto has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Captain David Cotto for his outstanding service with the Civil
Air Patrol; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy or this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Captain David Cotto.