Senate Resolution No. 61

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Helen M. Brockley posthumously upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition
by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
September 6, 2016

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 peacetime, deserve a special salute; 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Helen M. Brockley posthumously upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on
Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post, Delmar,
New York; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1993, a committee was formed by the Albany
County Veterans Bureau known as the Albany County Honor-A-Veteran
Committee to honor deceased Albany County Veterans who have served their
country in times of conflict; and

WHEREAS, For her courageous and dedicated service to her country,
Helen M. Brockley will be recognized at this year's September
Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Helen M. Brockley, who died on December 30, 2015, at the
age of 92, served her country with honor and distinction from March 15,
1945-August 29, 1946, as a member of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, A 2nd Lieutenant in the 249 General Hospital Unit, Helen M.
Brockley served in World War II as a nurse in the Pacific Theatre; in
this capacity, she engaged in general nursing duties, and worked in both
primary surgical and communicable disease wards in the 4th General
Hospital, Ft. McKinley, Manila, Philippines; and

WHEREAS, For her meritorious service, she was awarded the Asiatic
Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon her discharge, Helen M. Brockley continued to work as
a nurse and volunteered her time and energy to the VA Hospital, donating
over 1,500 hours to her fellow veterans; in addition, she held the title
of President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Blanchard Post 1040; and

WHEREAS, In 2003, this exceptional woman was the recipient of the
American Legion United States Army Active Duty Woman Veteran of the Year
Award; 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
honor Helen M. Brockley posthumously upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Albany County at its
Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on September 6, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Helen M. Brockley.