Senate Resolution No. 3992

BY: Senator HANNON

COMMENDING General Joseph A. McNeil 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 commend General
Joseph A. McNeil 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, In recognition of his heroic and remarkable life, a street
and a school in Hempstead, New York, will be renamed in General McNeil's
honor on Tuesday, February 27, 2018; and

WHEREAS, A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, General McNeil
earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from North Carolina A & T
State University in 1963; and

WHEREAS, General McNeil has truly led a meritorious life; for six
years, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States
Air Force during the Vietnam War; at the time of his discharge, he had
attained the esteemed rank of Captain; years later, he officially
retired as a Major General in the Air Force Reserves; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, General
McNeil was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air
Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air
Force Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense
Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal
with silver star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze star,
Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four
oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam
Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Hempstead for 44 years, General McNeil has
worked as a computer salesman for IBM, a commercial banker for Bankers
Trust in New York City, and a stock broker for E.F. Hutton; and

WHEREAS, In 1960, General McNeil was one of the original four men
who participated in the Greensboro sit-ins, a series of nonviolent
protests in Greensboro, North Carolina; this peaceful protest led to the
Woolworth Company department store chain removing its policy of racial
segregation in the Southern United States; and

WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts
of individuals such as General McNeil who unite for the cause of
improving the quality of life for others, and who proactively work
toward the goal of dignity for all; 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,
General McNeil 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
commend General Joseph A. McNeil 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 General Joseph A. McNeil.