Senator Fuschillo Joins WITH Merrick Community in Welcoming Home Corporal Kevin Vaughan

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently joined with the Merrick community in welcoming home one of its local heroes, Marine Corps Corporal Kevin Vaughan.

     Corporal Vaughan, a 2007 graduate of Mepham High School, was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan when he was wounded by a roadside bomb. He lost his left leg and has spent the last several months at Walter Reed Hospital undergoing rehabilitation and physical therapy.

     “Corporal Kevin Vaughan represents everything that is right about America. He volunteered to serve our nation and defend our freedoms, which he did with bravery and honor. This was a wonderful tribute to welcome Corporal Vaughan home and show the community’s appreciation for his service. I am so pleased that I could be a part of it and say ‘thank you’ to a true American hero,” said Senator Fuschillo.

     Senator Fuschillo joined with members of the Wenshaw Park Civic Association, North Merrick Fire Department, Merrick American Legion Post 1282, and over 1,000 residents in helping welcome Corporal Vaughn home for the first time since his injury. Other local officials, including Congressman Peter King, Assemblyman David McDonough, County Legislators Norma Gonsalves and Dave Denenberg, Supervisor Kate Murray, and Councilmembers Angie Cullin and Gary Hudes also took part in the homecoming celebration.

     Senator Fuschillo presented Corporal Vaughan with a copy of a legislative resolution passed by the State Legislature, honoring Corporal Vaughn’s service to our country. With passage of the resolution, which was sponsored by Senator Fuschillo and Assemblyman McDonough, Corporal Vaughan’s heroism and service will forever be part of the New York State Legislature’s official record.

     Senator Fuschillo is pictured as he welcomes home Corporal Kevin Vaughan and thanks him for his service to our country.

     Text of the Resolution:

     Senate Resolution No. 3397 

     BY: Senator FUSCHILLO

     Assembly Resolution No. 00942

     BY: M. of A. McDonough

COMMENDING Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan for his valiant military service during Operation Enduring Freedom 

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Enduring Freedom will ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Enduring Freedom, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and 

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan, United States Marine Corps, for his valiant militaryservice during Operation Enduring Freedom; and  

WHEREAS, The Wenshaw Park community is proud to welcome home Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan, a true local hero, with a celebration to be held in his honor on Friday, March 9, 2012; and  

WHEREAS, Kevin P. Vaughan, the son of Jim and Pat Vaughan, grew up in Merrick, New York, in Wenshaw Park; he is the brother of Jimmy Jr., Caitlin and Thomas, who also served in the United States Marine Corps for five years; and 

WHEREAS, Kevin P. Vaughan attended Park Ave Elementary, Grand Avenue Middle School, and graduated from Mepham High School in 2007; after high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve and defend his country; and

WHEREAS, During his 2nd deployment in Afghanistan, Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan's convoy was ambushed by a road side bomber on September 28, 2011; subsequently, he was tragically wounded; and 

WHEREAS, While in rehabilitation at a military hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan received the Purple Heart and was also visited by President Obama who presented him with a Presidential Citation; and 

WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave; 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, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict; it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreciation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan for his valiant military service during Operation Enduring Freedom; and be it further 

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Corporal Kevin P. Vaughan.