LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tom Galloway upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2016 Veteran of the Year Award by the
Oswego City Veterans Council

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 Tom Galloway
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2016 Veteran of
the Year Award by the Oswego City Veterans Council; this momentous occa-
sion was celebrated at a ceremony on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at the
Oswego American Legion; and
WHEREAS, The esteemed Veteran of the Year Award recognizes individuals
who have served honorably in the military, as well as those who have
contributed to the betterment of their community after being discharged;
and
WHEREAS, Born in Oswego in 1931, Tom Galloway enlisted in the United
States Army as a paratrooper at the age of 19; and
WHEREAS, He was deployed to Korea in 1952, with the 187th Airborne
Regimental Combat Team, a commando unit which was regularly under fire
from heavy artillery; and
WHEREAS, After his second deployment to Korea, Tom Galloway volun-
teered and joined the Military Police; and
WHEREAS, On August 19, 1953, while on Military Police Patrol with a
fellow military police officer, Tom Galloway was wounded and his fellow
officer killed by a disgruntled soldier; and
WHEREAS, While recovering from his wounds, Tom Galloway was visited by
then Brigadier General William Westmoreland, who later recommended
Galloway for the Soldier's Medal for Heroism; and
WHEREAS, Tom Galloway is also the recipient of the New York State
Conspicuous Service Cross awarded by former Governor George Pataki, the
Combat Infantry Badge, the Presidential Unit Citation, the United
Nations Service Ribbon and the Good Conduct Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, Upon his return to Oswego, Tom and his wife, Bridget, raised
four children and Tom worked as a technology teacher at Oswego High
School, later entering the real estate and insurance business and becom-
ing one of the most prominent businessmen in Oswego County; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Tom Galloway has kept in close contact
with his former brothers in arms; he has been a member of the Oswego
American Legion and the VFW for more than 60 years, continuing to keep
the memory of veterans past and present alive; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, Tom Galloway and fellow veteran, Bill McCarthy,
petitioned the city to create a living memorial for veterans and their
families, which is known as the Trees for Vets Program, and has planted
and installed almost 100 trees and bronze plaques along the sidewalks of
Bridge Street; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Tom
Galloway has demonstrated his love for his country and merits forever-
more, 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 Tom Galloway upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2016 Veteran of the Year Award by the Oswego City Veterans Council;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tom Galloway.