K 834: Honoring Wayne Baumgartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 56 years of distinguished service to the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 of Tonawanda, New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 834 BY: M. of A. Conrad HONORING Wayne Baumgartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 56 years of distinguished service to the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 of Tonawanda, New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Wayne Baumgartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 56 years of distinguished service to the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 of Tonawanda, New York; and WHEREAS, For the past 56 years, Wayne Baumgartner rendered faithful, conscientious, and valuable service to the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as Post Commander, Wayne Baumgartner served with loyalty, honor, and distinction; and WHEREAS, In 1976, Wayne Baumgartner became the Post Commander of the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205 and has since volunteered countless hours supporting the pillars of the legion: veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, and children and youth; and WHEREAS, Wayne Baumgartner was always active in Post 205 meetings and was a volunteer and organizer of the organization's events, including membership drives and solicitation of donations; he has managed raffles supporting children and youth and has worked to provide much-needed backpacks for school children; further, this distinguished and dedicated leader collected, purchased, and delivered Post-sponsored holiday gifts and food for families in need; and WHEREAS, Wayne Baumgartner is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force; he enlisted after his graduation from Kenmore East High School in 1961 and later re-enlisted in 1965; he served his country for nearly eight years in Vietnam; and WHEREAS, During his time with the U.S. Air Force, Wayne Baumgartner achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was deployed as an administrative specialist to Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam where his duties involved documenting plane and troop movements in and out of the country; and WHEREAS, For his courageous and dutiful service, Wayne Baumgartner received several honors, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Medal; and WHEREAS, An active and respected member of his community, Wayne Baumgartner was the coordinator and Marshal of the Memorial Day Parade from 2009-2020 and the Marshal of the Veterans Day Parade at the County Fair from 2009-2018; and WHEREAS, Further, Wayne Baumgartner enjoys visiting veterans at local hospitals and nursing homes and participates in monthly programming at the local Veterans Affairs hospital; he also participates in wake services for members of the American Legion Post, ensuring proper honors for veterans upon their passing; and WHEREAS, Wayne Baumgartner is a graduate of the Civilian Police Academy and serves as an Alumni Assistant Instructor during training classes; he also supervises CERT team participation at local events and is a mock Triage Victim for Town Police and Paramedic training classes and exercises; he volunteers numerous hours to fundraise and supports events held by the police and fire departments, including Mercy Flight and the annual charity hockey game; and WHEREAS, Recognized for his valiant and dedicated years of military service, Wayne Baumgartner was also inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame on Veterans Day in 2021; and WHEREAS, In his official acts, Wayne Baumgartner was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with the American Legion Brounshidle Post 205, Wayne Baumgartner earned the admiration, esteem, and affection of his colleagues; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Wayne Baumgartner upon the occasion of his retirement after 56 years of distinguished service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Wayne Baumgartner.