Bill Text: VA SR50 | 2013 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Waldemar M. Riley.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-02-26 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR50ER) [SR50 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2013-SR50-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, Waldemar M. Riley, a decorated war hero, respected athletics coach, and pillar of the Williamsburg community, died on February 5, 2013; and WHEREAS, a native of Brooklyn, New York, Waldemar "Wally" Riley served his country in two wars as a member of the United States Armed Forces; he served in the United States Navy during World War II and as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War; and WHEREAS, displaying exceptional bravery and gallantry as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Wally Riley earned a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts; and WHEREAS, Wally Riley continued to help defend his country as a member of the United States Armed Forces for over 30 years; he helped found the first United States Army Reserve unit in the City of Williamsburg and retired as a colonel in the United States Army Reserve in 1980; and WHEREAS, before and after his service in the Korean War, Wally Riley distinguished himself as an exceptional student-athlete at The College of William and Mary, becoming one of the school's first individuals to earn a varsity letter in swimming; and WHEREAS, after college, Wally Riley began a long, loyal career with New York Life Insurance Company; working at the company for the rest of his life, he was recognized with many awards and accolades for his outstanding service; and WHEREAS, following his passion for swimming, Wally Riley took a position as an assistant varsity swim coach at The College of William and Mary and later served as the team's business manager; he was an admired mentor to many of his athletes; and WHEREAS, driven to motivate and support young athletes throughout the community, Wally Riley helped organize swim teams at area high schools and the Kingspoint Club and was active in Amateur Athletic Union swimming events; and WHEREAS, Wally Riley worked to strengthen and enhance the community as a member of two local Boards of Recreation and as the president of the James City County Chamber of Commerce from 1963 to 1964; and WHEREAS, a tireless volunteer, Wally Riley donated his time and talents to many community organizations, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Red Cross, and the Boy Scouts of America; and WHEREAS, Wally Riley was a proud member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg; he combined his passion for swimming and his devotion to the community by establishing swim events at The College of William and Mary to benefit the American Cancer Society; and WHEREAS, Wally Riley will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by many family members and friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Waldemar M. Riley, a decorated war hero, devoted athletics coach, and irreplaceable member of the Williamsburg community; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Waldemar M. Riley as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory. |
