Senate Resolution No. 2371

BY: Senator LARKIN

HONORING Joseph V. Gill upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2017 Written Word
Award by the Friends of the Highland Falls Library
on June 3, 2017

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Joseph V. Gill upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2017 Written Word Award by the Friends of the Highland Falls Library, to
be celebrated at its Spring Gala and Awards Reception, on Saturday, June
3, 2017, at the Highland Falls Library, in Highland Falls, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Written Word Award recognizes the exceptional talent
and achievement of an author residing in the Highland Falls community;
currently, Joseph V. Gill holds the title of General Manager of the
local newspaper, The News of the Highlands; and

WHEREAS, Born in Kingston, New York, Joseph V. Gill was raised in
Highland Falls; at the young age of 12, he began his career with The
News of the Highlands as an apprentice; after graduation from high
school, he attended the New York Institute of Photography in New York
City; and

WHEREAS, Joseph V. Gill proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Army during the Vietnam War; from 1969-1970, he was
assigned to the 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in
the Mekong Delta; and

WHEREAS, Attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, Joseph V. Gill was
the recipient of numerous military decorations while engaged in active
combat including two Bronze Stars (one for Valor), two Air Medals, five
Army Commendation Medals (three for valorous actions in direct contact
with the enemy) and the Combat Infantryman Badge; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge, Joseph V. Gill returned to work at The
News of the Highlands; after its owners, the Sidamon-Eristoff family,
bought The Cornwall Local, Joseph moved to Cornwall to work for that
paper; over the years, he rose to the position of Vice President and
General Manager of the two newspapers and the commercial print division;
and

WHEREAS, In 1986, Joseph V. Gill became a board member of the New
York Press Association, an organization representing some 300 weekly
newspapers throughout the State of New York; he was elected to the
position of President of this vital organization in 1992; and

WHEREAS, Joseph V. Gill served as a member and attained board
positions on numerous civic and nonprofit organizations throughout his
career including President and Lieutenant of the Highland Falls Fire
Department, board member of the Cornwall Public Library, Museum of the
Hudson Highlands, Cornwall Independence Day Committee, Friends of the
Cornwall Public Library, Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, and
Friends of the West Point Library, as well as the Army Hockey
Association; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joseph V. Gill upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2017 Written Word Award by the Friends of the Highland Falls
Library on June 3, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joseph V. Gill, General Manager, The News of the
Highlands.