Senate Resolution No. 2218

BY: Senator PERSAUD

HONORING Sergeant Raymond Owen Bloomfield upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Sergeant
Raymond Owen Bloomfield upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born in Jamaica, West Indies, Raymond Owen Bloomfield and
his parents migrated to Harlem, New York, where he attended Chelsea
Vocational High School; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Owen Bloomfield proudly served his country as a
Support Platoon Leader with the Transportation Battalion and several
other units of the United States Army during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Raymond
Owen Bloomfield was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit
Commendation and Army Service Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, After several years of civilian life, Raymond Owen
Bloomfield reenlisted in the United States Army Reserve in March of
1980; as a Reservist, he was called to the Gulf War - Saudia Arabia from
January of 1991 to June of 1991; upon his return, he continued his
service until his retirement in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Upon retirement from the United States Army after 20 years
of dedicated service, Raymond Owen Bloomfield received the Meritorious
Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Helen Bazzey; their
two children, Andrea and Brandon; and four grandchildren, Alexis, Synia,
Dylan and Ebony, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in
his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Raymond Owen Bloomfield demonstrated 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;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sergeant Raymond Owen Bloomfield upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sergeant Raymond Owen Bloomfield.