Bill Text: NY J01696 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Commander Eugene J. Ratigliano upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-06-04 - ADOPTED [J01696 Detail]
Download: New_York-2019-J01696-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 1696
BY: Senator TEDISCO
COMMENDING Commander Eugene J. Ratigliano upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate
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 Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Commander
Eugene J. Ratigliano upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate, to be presented at the Department of New York
State Convention on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at the Marriott Hotel in
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, At that time, Eugene J. Ratigliano will officially end his
term as the State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Eugene J. Ratigliano, a native of Watertown, New York,
enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on August 17, 1965, and
completed basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes,
Illinois; upon graduating, he was ordered to active duty aboard the USS
Guadalcanal (LPH-7), where he participated in a number of deployments at
sea; and
WHEREAS, Eugene J. Ratigliano proudly served his country as a member
of the United States Navy for over 26 years, retiring in September of
1991, with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9); and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Eugene J. Ratigliano successfully
completed numerous leadership assignments including Navy Recruiting as
the Command Master Chief and Chief Recruiter for 174 recruiters in a 10
state recruiting region, and as the Director of Administration for a
Naval Readiness Command Staff during Desert Storm; and
WHEREAS, Following his active service, Eugene J. Ratigliano was
employed by the United States Department of Energy's Naval Reactors
Division for 21 years of Federal civilian service before his retirement;
and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Eugene J. Ratigliano was
awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, two
Meritorious Unit Commendations, four Navy Good Conduct Medals, two Naval
Reserve Meritorious Service Medals, two National Defense Service Medals,
Foreign Expeditionary Medal, nine Navy Recruiting Ribbons, five Navy
Recruiting Gold Wreaths for Excellence, two Armed Forces Reserve Medals,
Navy Sharpshooter Medal, Navy Expert Rifleman Medal, New York State
Conspicuous Service Medal, New York State Long and Faithful Service
Medal, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, as well as the
New York Naval Militia Recruiting Ribbon; and
WHEREAS, During and following his military service, Eugene J.
Ratigliano earned his Associate of Science degree in business
management, a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, and a
Master of Arts degree with honors in naval warfare; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, Eugene J. Ratigliano has
held numerous leadership positions, both elected and appointed, and
served as Post Commander for three years earning the All State
Commanders Award, and again as Commander of his County Council where he
served for two years, and earned his second All State Commander's Award;
and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Eugene J. Ratigliano began his advancement through
the chairs of his District, and was elected District 3 Commander for
2013-2014; today, he holds the title of Quartermaster; and
WHEREAS, Eugene J. Ratigliano has served the Department of New York
in various capacities including State Inspector and Chief of Staff, and
has been appointed to a number of committees such as the Veteran Service
Committee, By-Laws Committee, National Affairs Committee, Convention
Committee and the Service Officer Journal and Raffle Committees; and
WHEREAS, On June 9, 2018, Eugene J. Ratigliano was elected State
Commander at the VFW 99th State Convention in Albany; and
WHEREAS, Eugene J. Ratigliano is also an important part of his
community, serving on many committees such as the Vietnam Veterans 50th
Anniversary Committee, World War I Memorial Refurbishment Committee,
Veterans Parade Committee, and the local Congressional Advisory Board;
and
WHEREAS, Eugene J. Ratigliano is a Gold Legacy life member of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, life member of both the Disabled American
Veterans and the VFW National Home for Children, and a participant of
American Legion Post 234, Italian American War Veterans Post 35, the
Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, Fleet Reserve Association Branch 285
and Military Order of the Cootie; and a 52 year member of the United
States Naval Institute; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, of 46 years, the
former Nancy Jean Metz, their two children, Jennifer and Andrew, and
their grandson, Jack, all of whom have shown him love and support and
rejoice in his many achievements; 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,
Eugene J. Ratigliano has 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 Commander Eugene J. Ratigliano upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Commander Eugene J. Ratigliano.
