
Governor Cuomo Signs Bills to Honor New York Service Members Killed in Service to Their Country
"These exceptional New Yorkers answered the call and paid the ultimate
price in the service of our nation and the values it was founded upon,”
Governor Cuomo said. “I am proud to sign these legislative bills
into law to honor the memory of these five extraordinary soldiers and
ensure that their commitment and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark Memorial Highway: A portion of State Route 146 in the Town of Guilderland, Albany County
will be renamed the "Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark Memorial Highway"
(S.2290/A.2131). Lieutenant Colonel Clark, who grew up in Guilderland,
was killed in action on June 8, 2013 during an attack at close range while
serving as an advisor to the Afghan National Army. The renamed highway
begins at the intersection of State Route 20 and State Route 146, and
continues north to Lydius Street.
Senator George Amedore said, “Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Clark leaves
behind a legacy of dedication and commitment to his nation and community.
Renaming this highway in his home town allows us to pay a small tribute
to a man who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation he loved.”
Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy said, "It is an honor to have sponsored
this bill to rename Route 146 in commemoration of the extraordinary service
and ultimate sacrifice of Guilderland's Lieutenant Colonel Todd Clark.
This is such a fitting way to celebrate Independence Day and I thank the
Governor for his support of this legislation, and the Lieutenant Colonel's
family for their tremendous patriotism and support."
Marine Captain Eric A. Jones Memorial Highway: A portion of State Route 137 in the Town of Pound Ridge, Westchester
County will be renamed “Marine Captain Eric A. Jones Memorial Highway”
(S.3820-A/A.7405). Captain Jones, of Pound Ridge, was a helicopter pilot
killed in the line of duty on October 26, 2009 during a helicopter collision
in Afghanistan. He was on his third deployment after serving two tours
in Iraq. The portion renamed begins at the intersection of Westchester
Avenue and State Route 137, continues in a generally southerly direction
and terminates at the New York and Connecticut state boundary.
Specialist David R. Fahey Jr. Memorial Bridge: A bridge on State Route 129 that crosses the New Croton Reservoir in
the Town of Yorktown, Westchester County will be renamed the "Specialist
David R. Fahey Jr. Memorial Bridge" (A.6613/S4495). Specialist Fahey,
of Yorktown Heights, was deployed on combat operations to Afghanistan
in 2010. On February 28, 2011, Specialist Fahey was killed by an improvised
explosive device in Kandahar Province while serving with the 504th Military
Police Battalion of the 42nd Military Police Brigade. The bridge is less
than three miles from Specialist Fahey’s childhood home.
Senator Terrence Murphy said, "I can think of no greater honor for
my first bills to be signed by the Governor than those which pay tribute
to the courage and sacrifice of two Hudson Valley heroes. Both Specialist
David Fahey of Yorktown, and Marine Captain Eric Jones of Pound Ridge,
paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation and state.
This fourth of July we should make a point to remember the brave men and
women serving overseas who remind us that freedom isn't free and we
are blessed to have these courageous individuals defending our way of
life."
Assemblyman David Buchwald said, "Growing up in Pound Ridge and at
Fox Lane High School, Eric A. Jones always displayed an ambitious spirit.
His willingness to help others was manifest when he became a Marine Captain
and a pilot, and was with him the day he made the ultimate sacrifice.
Captain Jones’ proud and honorable service to his hometown of Pound
Ridge and our country, having fought for freedom in both Iraq and Afghanistan,
should be memorialized. The designation of State Route 137 in memory of
Captain Jones is a small, but meaningful gesture that will remind the
people of New York State of the patriotism and valor showed by our young
local hero."
Assemblyman Steve Katz said, “This is a long awaited and much deserved
tribute to one of Yorktown’s finest young men who gave the ultimate
sacrifice for his country.”
Sergeant Elisha R. Parker Veterans Memorial Highway: A portion of State Route 13 in the Village of Camden, Oneida County will
be renamed the "Sergeant Elisha R. Parker Veterans Memorial Highway"
(S.3227/A.5149). Sergeant Parker, of Camden, lost his life May 4, 2006,
during his third tour of duty in Iraq while performing his duties as a
combat engineer with the U.S. Marine Corps. The renamed highway begins
at the intersection of County Route 84 and State Route 13 and continues
south to the village line.
Senator Joseph Griffo said, "Sergeant Parker was truly a man who
devoted himself to his community, his country and his fellow Marines.
Along with all of the servicemen and women who have put their lives on
the line to help defend our nation’s interests and ideals, Sergeant
Parker symbolizes the unwavering courage, commitment and sacrifice that
have always defined the best of what America has to offer. The Sergeant
Elisha R. Parker Veterans Memorial Highway will serve as an everlasting
reminder of what it truly takes to preserve our nation’s principles
of liberty and freedom."
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush said, "I'm honored to be able to
memorialize the service of Sgt. Elisha Parker, and all of the veterans
who have served in combat. It's very important for people, as they
travel this corridor, to be reminded of all those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice for their country."
Captain John J. Levulis Memorial Highway: A portion of State Route 75 in the Town of Eden, Erie County will be
renamed the "Captain John J. Levulis Memorial Highway" (A.8177-B/S.5854-B).
Captain Levulis, of Eden, served a tour of duty in Afghanistan where he
held the position of Infantry Platoon Leader with the 10th Mountain Division.
On May 7, 2015, Captain Levulis lost his life as a result of injuries
suffered in a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike while traveling to Fort
Dix. The renamed highway begins at the intersection of U.S. Route 62 and
State Route 75, and continues south to the Eden /North Collins border.
Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “Captain Levulis served his country
with pride and distinction in Afghanistan as an Infantry Platoon Leader
assigned to the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum. He was an active
and beloved member of the Eden community and the designation of this highway
through his hometown will serve as a tribute to his courage and sacrifice.
Captain Levulis is an inspiration to all who had the good fortune to know
him and he will always be remembered."
Assemblyman David DiPietro said, "Today’s dedication of the
Captain John J. Levulis Memorial Highway is a celebration of one of our
hometown heroes gone too soon. Captain Levulis served his country in the
War in Afghanistan with honor and distinction, and made everyone in our
community proud to say he came from here. He will always be remembered
for his service, and I’m proud to have played a part in securing
this recognition for a man of courage like Captain John J. Levulis."