LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Colonel Francis S. Gabreski Cadet
Squadron from the Long Island Group of the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard
upon the occasion of presenting the colors at the start of the session
of the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Colonel Francis S. Gabreski Cadet Squadron from the Long Island
Group of the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard upon the occasion of present-
ing the colors at the start of the session of the New York State Senate,
to be held at the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Civil Air Patrol enjoys a proud legacy of selfless sacri-
fice and service to country and community that spans decades; the organ-
ization was born one week prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor;
and
WHEREAS, Thousands of volunteer members of the Civil Air Patrol
answered America's call to national service and sacrifice by accepting
and performing critical wartime missions; and
WHEREAS, On July 1, 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law
476 incorporating the Civil Air Patrol as a benevolent, nonprofit organ-
ization; on May 26, 1948, Congress passed Public Law 557 permanently
establishing the Civil Air Patrol as the auxiliary of the new United
States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, Three primary mission areas were set forth at the inception
of the Civil Air Patrol: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emer-
gency services; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Civil Air Patrol handles 90 percent of inland
search and rescue missions, with approximately 75 lives saved each year;
its members are generally the first on the scene transmitting satellite
digital images of the damage within seconds around the world and provid-
ing disaster relief and emergency services following natural and manmade
disasters, including such phenomena as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Texas
and Oklahoma wildfires, tornadoes in the south and central United
States, North Dakota flash flooding and the October 2006 earthquake in
Hawaii, as well as humanitarian missions along the United States and
Mexican border; and
WHEREAS, In response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy,
the Civil Air Patrol's New York Wing promptly reacted by: flying 373
damage assessment sorties, and providing 143,360 aerial photographs to
New York disaster relief organizations, FEMA and the Army Corps of Engi-
neers; providing air transportation throughout the affected region for
disaster response teams; deploying 30 volunteers to assist with shelter
operations conducted by the New York City Office of Emergency Manage-
ment; and installing 40 volunteers to assist the Red Cross with the
logistics of relief supplies; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Civil Air Patrol members are dedicated to coun-
terdrug reconnaissance and to teaching a new generation about aerospace
and its impact on our future; its cadet programs ensure our youth
receive the finest leadership training the Nation has to offer; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Colonel Francis S. Gabreski Cadet Squadron
from the Long Island Group of the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard include:
Derek Profit, C/2nd Lt.; Alison Shumway, C/SMSgt.; James Megna, C/SSgt.;

Joseph Toner, C/Sr.A; Erik Rios, C/SMSgt.; David Greenberg, 1st Lt.;
Frank Zambaras, Capt.; Patrick Magee, Lt. Col., NY Wing Staff; Gerald
Marketos, Lt. Col., NY Wing Staff; Thomas Carello, Lt. Col., NY Wing
Staff; Benjamin Nodar, Lt. Col., NY Wing Staff; and Steven Perta, Col.,
NY Wing Staff; and
WHEREAS, The Civil Air Patrol makes a huge impact each and every day,
going above and beyond to make a profound difference in America's commu-
nities; and
WHEREAS, This occasion presents a unique opportunity for this Legisla-
tive Body to recognize and pay tribute to the members of the Colonel
Francis S. Gabreski Cadet Squadron from the Long Island Group of the
Civil Air Patrol Color Guard; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Colonel Francis S. Gabreski Cadet Squadron from the Long
Island Group of the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard and its members upon
the occasion of presenting the colors at the start of the session of the
New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Colonel Jack Ozer, New York Wing, Civil Air Patrol, and the
aforementioned members of the Colonel Francis S. Gabreski Cadet Squadron
from the Long Island Group of the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard.