LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Philip J. Swaney, Sr. upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition by the Honor Our Heroes
Program

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 commend Philip J.
Swaney, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
by the Honor Our Heroes Program celebrated on Monday, November 10, 2014,
at the American Legion Post 337 in Broadalbin, New York; and
WHEREAS, Many years ago, Philip J. Swaney, Sr., along with his late
wife, Marilyn, began lobbying for special license plates and stickers
for medal recipients after realizing most military medal honorees were
not eligible to receive the distinguished plate; and
WHEREAS, Today, 68 year-old Philip J. Swaney, Sr. is proud to be a
driving force behind the formation of the Honor Our Heroes Program, and
to receive the inaugural sticker; and
WHEREAS, The newfound Honor Our Heroes Program provides full color
window decals bearing the likeness of each of their medals to veterans
who have been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Coast
Guard Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star or Bronze Star; and
WHEREAS, While proudly serving his country as a member of the United
States Army, Philip J. Swaney, Sr. received the Silver Star, the third-
highest military decoration for valor on October 14, 1967; during his
third tour of duty in Vietnam, he risked his life to successfully rescue
eight wounded soldiers from a battlefield; and
WHEREAS, Army Medic Philip J. Swaney, Sr. leaped from a medevac heli-
copter into an area of heavy fighting between American soldiers and Viet
Cong in the Mekong Delta; he carried six soldiers to the helicopter and
treated the wounded as they were being flown back to the field hospital;
he then returned to bring two more soldiers to safety; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Philip J. Swaney, Sr. continues to fight for
veterans' rights; he is both a member and Honor Guard of American Legion
Post 676 in Odessa, New York, as well as a past Commander of the Schuyl-
er County American Legion; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his loving wife, with him throughout have been
his three children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Philip J. Swaney, Sr. demonstrates 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;
Philip J. Swaney, Sr. is one such veteran; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Philip J. Swaney, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Honor Our Heroes Program; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Philip J. Swaney, Sr.