Patriot Guard Riders New York

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Senate Resolution No. 2239

BY: Senator ASHBY

RECOGNIZING  the  Patriot Guard Riders of New York for their Honor Missions in  March  of  2024,  which consisted  of funeral escort services and flag lines for the memorials of Chief Warrant Officer  2  Casey Frankoski  and  Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia III

   WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York  whose  lifework  and  civic  endeavor served  to  enhance  the  quality  of life in their communities and this great Empire State; and

   WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its long-  standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body is justly proud to recognize the Patriot Guard Riders of New York for their Honor  Missions In  March  of  2024, which consisted of funeral escort services and flag lines for the memorials of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey  Frankoski  and Chief  Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia III in Rensselaer and Schenectady, New York; and

   WHEREAS, Patriot Guard Riders was founded in 2005 to shield families of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt  the  services  of  their loved  ones; although originally founded in Kansas, the organization has grown to include thousands of members across all 50 states in the  U.S.; New York State began organizing its sect in 2006 and became a non-profit corporation in 2010; and

   WHEREAS,  The  mission  of  Patriot  Guard  Riders  is to attend the funeral services and stand flag lines for  military  members,  veterans, and  first  responders  as invited guests of the family, to show respect and gratitude for those who served, as well as support  their  families; the  organization's  flag  lines  may  be  present  at airport arrivals, funeral  homes,  churches,  dignified  transfers,  and  at  burials   or internments; and

   WHEREAS,  The  current  New  York  State  Captain  Bill Schaaf's and

Assistant State Captain Ray Sestak's commitment to honoring  the  fallen and  all  wounded  veterans  and first responders is beyond compare; and where their countless endeavors also include raising funds  for  Wreaths

Across  America, and most importantly, organizing civilian volunteers to place wreaths in National Cemeteries; and

   WHEREAS, Patriot Guard Riders of New  York  supports  the  military, veterans,  and  Blue  and  Gold Star New York State families through its Help On The Homefront (HOTH) program; this esteemed organization  honors those  "forgotten" veterans who have no family to claim their remains by securing a final resting place and arranging for a full military funeral through its Veteran Recovery Program; and

   WHEREAS, It  is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that  when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought  to  our  attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

   RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize the Patriot Guard Riders of New York for their Honor  Missions in  March  of  2024, which consisted of funeral escort services and flag lines for the memorials of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey  Frankoski  and Chief  Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia III in Rensselaer and Schenectady, New York; and be it further

   RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be

transmitted to Patriot Guard Riders of New York.