Senate Resolution No. 2235

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Austin A. Wilcox posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on March 9, 2020

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Austin A. Wilcox posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, March 9, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Austin A. Wilcox was born on July 5, 1948, in Troy, New York, the son of Ambrose and Florence (Jones) Wilcox; he attended Public School 112 and went on to earn a degree from SUNY Empire State in Saratoga Springs, New York; and

WHEREAS, On August 17, 1965, Austin A. Wilcox enlisted in the United States Army and throughout his illustrious career served in many different capacities, some of which include the 23rd Infantry Division, 98th Army Reserve Command, 413th Quartermaster Battalion and 2004-2005, 92Y, Combined Security Transition Command/Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan OMC-A; and

WHEREAS, Retiring from the United States Army in 1992, Austin A. Wilcox volunteered for recall to Active Duty in 2004, serving as a Logistics NCO in Kabul, Afghanistan through 2005; and

WHEREAS, Austin A. Wilcox's commitment to his country defined him as he served in both the Vietnam and Afghanistan Wars and for his courageous service during both Wars, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Bronze Service Star; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in Vietnam, Austin A. Wilcox pursued an education and civilian employment in Supply Logistics; following his 2nd tour in 2005, he returned home to his job as a Service Coordinator with a Community College; and

WHEREAS, Austin A. Wilcox was the proud father of four children, Lucille, Denise, Austin, and Tanya, and the loving grandfather of five grandchildren, Alexander, Krissa, Susan, Maria, and Samantha and one great-grandchild, Julian; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Austin A. Wilcox was a life member of the Veterans of Lansingburgh, New York, where he participated in many parades; he also loved playing his harmonica and working in his woodshop; and

WHEREAS, Austin A. Wilcox died on March 10, 2019, at the age of 70; 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, Austin A. Wilcox 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 Austin A. Wilcox posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on March 9, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Austin A. Wilcox.