J 840: Commending Clyde Castle upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome

 Senate Resolution No. 840 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Clyde Castle upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome 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 from this esteemed Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Clyde Castle upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome; this prestigious honor, co-sponsored by the Vietnam Memorial Committee, will be awarded at the 8th Annual Veteran's Recognition Dinner at the Beeches Manor in Rome, New York, on Saturday, May 10, 2025; and WHEREAS, Clyde "Chip" Castle was born and raised in Rome, New York; he graduated from West Leyden High School where he was active in basketball and soccer; and WHEREAS, On October 7, 1969, after volunteering for the draft, Clyde Castle entered the United States Army and attended basic training, as well as radio and radio teletype schools, attaining the rank of Specialist 4th Class; he served his country in Vietnam, from June 1970 to June 1971, as a radio operator and communications coordinator for the 8th Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division "Air Mobile"; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service to his country, Clyde Castle was awarded the National Defense Medal, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and 31st Cavalry Campaign Ribbons; and WHEREAS, Upon his return to the Rome area, Clyde Castle attended Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) where he obtained his Associate of Applied Science in Individual Studies; additionally, he has worked as a remodeling carpenter and contractor; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Clyde Castle is Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the Point Rock Cemetery Association, Trustee with the Point Rock United Methodist Church, a Life Member of the 1st Cavalry Association, and 52-year Member of the Lee Legion Post 1794; he also serves on the Executive Committee, and as the Graves and Registration Officer, coordinating the annual placement of flags on veterans' graves for Memorial Day; and WHEREAS, Having more than 1,500 veterans buried in the Town of Lee's cemeteries, Clyde Castle oversees the records of the veterans' burials and works to improve locating older veterans' grave markers, some of which date back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812; additionally, he coordinates between the Lee Legion and Evergreen Cemetery for Wreaths Across America; and WHEREAS, Clyde Castle is an asset to his family and community; he and his wife of 38 years, a retired nurse, reside in Taberg, New York, and were blessed with three children and twin 14-year-old granddaughters; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism, both at home and abroad, Clyde Castle 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 Clyde Castle upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Clyde Castle.