Senate Resolution No. 1543 BY: Senator AKSHAR COMMENDING Paul Russo upon the occasion of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to the New York State Department of Labor WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Paul Russo upon the occasion of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to the New York State Department of Labor; and WHEREAS, Paul Russo proudly served his country as a F-15 Armament Specialist in the United States Air Force; after a two-year tour of duty in Germany, he served six years in the New York National Guard; and WHEREAS, Paul Russo then enjoyed a 30-year career as a Local Veteran Employment Representative (LVER) with the New York State Department of Labor, the position from which he will officially retire on Thursday, May 30, 2019; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Paul Russo conducted outreach to employers and engaged in efforts to increase the employment opportunities available to veterans and encouraged businesses to hire them; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Paul Russo has helped more than 4,000 veterans obtain employment or enter into some form of training, such as trade schools or college; and WHEREAS, In addition to his work with veterans through the Department of Labor, Paul Russo is very active in the American Legion, serving in various capacities including Norwich Post 189 Commander and Chenango County Commander; today, he is the Norwich Post 189 American Legion Riders Director; and WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his fellow veterans, Paul Russo was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame in 2016; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Paul Russo upon the occasion of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished service to the New York State Department of Labor, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Paul Russo.