Senate Resolution No. 4092

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson
upon the occasion of his retirement after 24 years
of faithful military service to the New York Army
National Guard

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
those individuals who have honorably and courageously served this
country, in order to protect the life and liberty of our citizens, and
to support civilian authorities during times of emergency; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson upon the occasion of his
retirement after 24 years of faithful military service to the New York
Army National Guard; and

WHEREAS, A helicopter pilot and an Iraq War veteran, Chief Warrant
Officer 5 Michael Johnson, recently took his "Final Flight" to
commemorate his retirement from the United States Military after 35
years of service; and

WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson earned his
bachelor's degree from Ebry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and

WHEREAS, An aviator with the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade in Latham,
New York, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson flew several different
aircrafts including the UH-1 Huey helicopter, the AH-1 Cobra helicopter
gunship, the UH-60 Blackhawk, the UH-72 Lakota, and the C-12 airplane;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson served
as both an instructor pilot and a maintenance test pilot; and

WHEREAS, From 1983-1987, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson
proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division in
the United States Army; during this time, he participated in Operation
Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson became a
helicopter pilot and was assigned to the Army's 1st Infantry Division,
17th Aviation Brigade and the 10th Mountain Division, serving in Panama,
Germany, and Korea; and

WHEREAS, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson joined the New York
Army National Guard in 1994; he was deployed to Bosnia, Honduras, Iraq,
and Kuwait, and was part of an aviation task force which was sent to the
Gulf Coast during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; he also helped the
many victims of Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished military career, Chief Warrant
Officer 5 Michael Johnson has received numerous military awards and
decorations for his dedicated service including the Meritorious Service
Medal, an Air Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, an Army

Commendation Medal, an Army Achievement Medal, and a Master Army Aviator
Badge, as well as a Parachutist Badge; and

WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson upon the occasion of his
retirement after 24 years of faithful military service to the New York
Army National Guard, and to wish him continued success in all his future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Johnson.