Commending Timothy Hurley upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome on June 6, 2026

Assembly Resolution No. 1496

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

        COMMENDING Timothy Hurley upon the occasion of his
        designation  for  special  recognition  by  the Lake
        Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome on June 6, 2026

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize  and
commend  those  distinguished  citizens  of  the State of New York whose
purposeful  lives  and  exemplary  service  contribute  greatly  to  the
strength and vitality of their communities and this great Nation; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long- standing traditions, this Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commend  Timothy Hurley upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome, to be celebrated  on
Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Gone Coastal in Lee Center, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Timothy  Hurley  has  demonstrated  throughout his life an
unyielding commitment to his country, his family, his  fellow  veterans,
and  the Rome community, earning the admiration and gratitude of all who
know him; and

  WHEREAS, A native of Rome, New York, Timothy Hurley  graduated  from
Rome Free Academy in 1966 at the remarkable age of 16, having attended a
one-room  schoolhouse without kindergarten prior to beginning his formal
education; and

  WHEREAS, In March of 1969, Timothy Hurley answered the call of  duty
and  entered  the United States Army, reporting for service at Fort Dix,
New Jersey, where he completed basic training,  leadership  preparation,
and advanced infantry training; and

  WHEREAS,  Following his training, Timothy Hurley was deployed to the
Republic of Vietnam in October of 1969, arriving first at Cam  Ranh  Bay
before  being  assigned  to  the Quang Tri region near the Demilitarized
Zone, one of the most dangerous combat areas of the war; and

  WHEREAS,  Serving  with  the  1st  Battalion,  61st  Infantry,   5th
Mechanized   Infantry  Division,  Timothy  Hurley  courageously  endured
intense  combat  operations,  including  a  devastating  engagement   on
November  13,  1969,  in which his unit of 107 troops was attacked by an
estimated 1,200 to 1,400 North Vietnamese Army  soldiers,  resulting  in
numerous casualties and acts of extraordinary valor; and

  WHEREAS,   During  his  combat  service,  Timothy  Hurley  sustained
injuries in the line of duty, including being  thrown  from  an  armored
personnel  carrier  after  it  struck  a  land  mine and later suffering
additional wounds from a  hand  flare  explosion,  requiring  months  of
hospitalization while serving overseas; and

  WHEREAS,  Despite  the  hardships  and  dangers  he endured, Timothy
Hurley faithfully completed his military service and  returned  home  in
October  of  1970, embodying the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that
define America's veterans; and

  WHEREAS, Following his honorable military  service,  Timothy  Hurley
dedicated  himself to his family and career, working at Yankee Motors in
Schenectady, Rome  Manufacturing,  and  ultimately  retiring  from  Rome
Laboratories after years of steadfast service; and

  WHEREAS,  In later years, the lasting effects of his wartime service
emerged through severe medical complications associated with exposure to
Agent Orange, including multiple cancers, spinal surgeries, and dialysis
treatments,  challenges  he  has  faced  with  remarkable  strength  and
dignity; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout these trials, Timothy Hurley has been sustained
by the love and devotion of his wife of 49 years, who serves not only as
his partner in life but  also  as  his  caregiver  and  dialysis  nurse;
together  they  have  built  a  proud  and  loving family including five
children, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; and

  WHEREAS,  Continuing  his  commitment  to  honoring   veterans   and
preserving the memory of those who served, Timothy Hurley and his family
have,  over  the  past  six  years, organized a golf tournament that has
raised more than $55,000 for the perpetual care of the Vietnam  Memorial
at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  The  courage,  patriotism,  perseverance, and civic spirit
displayed by Timothy Hurley throughout his life stand as an  inspiration
to  all  New  Yorkers and serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices
made by members of the United States Armed Forces; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commend  Timothy Hurley upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Lake Delta Kiwanis Club of Rome on June 6, 2026;  and
be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Timothy Hurley.