Assembly Resolution No. 775

BY: M. of A. Barclay

COMMENDING Donna W. Kestner upon the occasion of
her retirement after more than 18 years of
distinguished service to the Oswego County Veterans
Service Agency

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Donna W. Kestner upon the occasion of her retirement after more
than 18 years of distinguished service to the Oswego County Veterans
Service Agency; and

WHEREAS, From 1975-1978, Donna W. Kestner proudly served her country
as a dental assistant in the United States Army at the Pentagon in
Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, After raising her family with her late husband, Dr. Allan
Kestner, Donna W. Kestner began her distinguished career caring for her
fellow veterans at the Oswego County Veterans Service Agency; in 2005,
she was promoted to the title of Director, the position from which she
will officially retire in January of 2018; and

WHEREAS, As a stalwart advocate, Donna W. Kestner strived "To care
for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphan"
by ensuring all veterans received the benefits they were due by offering
and implementing many innovative services; and

WHEREAS, Along with her duties at the Veterans Service Agency, Donna
W. Kestner is a devoted member of the veteran community serving in
various capacities for the Fulton American Legion, Oswego County
American Legion, Fulton Veteran's Council, New York State County
Veterans Service Officer Association, National County Veteran's Service
Officer Association, and the Board of the VA Medical Center, as well as
advisory boards of representatives Richard Hanna and John Katko; and

WHEREAS, Donna W. Kestner is also dedicated to her community,
serving as both past President and member of the Fulton Sunrise Rotary
Club, where she was named 2016 Rotarian of the Year; and

WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her
comrades, Donna W. Kestner was the first woman to be named the Service
Officer of the Year by the State Commander of the American Legion in
2015; she was also recognized as the 2004 Fulton Veteran of the Year;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout her distinguished career, Donna W. Kestner
served the veterans of Oswego County with intelligence and caring
dedication, continuously striving to effectively fulfill the duties of
her position; and


WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all those with
whom she worked, Donna W. Kestner will be remembered for her honesty,
integrity, and keen sense of duty, as well as her steadfast commitment
to assisting those who served our great nation; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout her life's journey have been her late
husband, Dr. Allan Kestner, her fiance, John A. Young, and her two
daughters, Rachel and Amber, all of whom have shown her love and support
and rejoice in her many achievements; 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 the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Donna W. Kestner upon the occasion of her retirement after more
than 18 years of distinguished service to the Oswego County Veterans
Service Agency, and to wish her continued success in all her future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Donna W. Kestner.