Senate Resolution No. 14 BY: Senator STEC COMMENDING Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier 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 Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier 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 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, Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1980 until 2000; during this time he served in several capacities, with his last unit duty assignment being a member of the 89th Security Squadron; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, this courageous airman participated in Operation Just Cause (1989-1990), when U.S. troops were sent to Panama to remove General Noriega from power and bring him to the United States to try him for promoting illegal drug activity in his home country of Panama; he also served his country while stationed at Andrews Air Force Base; and WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier was Honorably Discharged from the United States Air Force in 2000 after completing 20 years of distinguished service; he was highly decorated, earning the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Aire Force Medal with 5 devices, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 devise, Meritorious Medal with 2 devices, Aire Force Longevity Service Award with devices, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arma Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Aire Force Outstanding Unit Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Short Tour Overseas Ribbon for his service; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier retired to private life in Chazy, New York; he is currently employed by the Intercom Security Company in Vermont, where he has worked as a Security Officer for the last 10 years; and WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier is also a dedicated member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) and has participated in a number of volunteer activities which have benefited veterans and the community at large, including Honor Flight where he provides early morning motorcycle escorts for "North Country Honor Flight" recognizing World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Cold War veterans who travel for free to Washington, D.C. memorials; and WHEREAS, Additionally, he participates in the "Laying Wreaths Across America Ceremony" every December, and provides military escorts for local veterans' funerals; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community, Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier is an 18-year member of the American Legion Post No. 912 in Rouses Point, New York, where he participates in fundraising, membership drives and activities which honor and support North Country veterans; 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 risked their lives for their beloved Nation; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier 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 Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier 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 Master Sergeant Brian S. Genier.