SJ5081: Commending Paul Galanti.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5081
WHEREAS, Paul Galanti, a decorated war hero, distinguished civil servant, and passionate advocate for veterans affairs, retires as the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Paul Galanti carried on a family tradition of military service, entering United States Navy flight training after graduating from Valley Forge Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy; he joined Navy Light Jet Attack Squadron 216 and deployed to Vietnam aboard the USS Hancock in 1965; and
WHEREAS, a distinguished aviator, Paul Galanti flew 97 combat missions before being shot down and captured by enemy forces in 1966; he courageously endured great hardship while being held as a prisoner of war for nearly seven years; and
WHEREAS, after his release in 1973, Paul Galanti returned to the United States and joined the Navy Recruiting District in Richmond, later becoming the commanding officer of the district; in 1979, he joined the Office of the Commandant at the Naval Academy, where he imparted his wisdom and experience to hundreds of midshipmen; and
WHEREAS, after his retirement from military service, Paul Galanti became the first non-pharmacist executive director of what was then known as the Virginia Pharmaceutical Association and later became the executive vice president of the Medical Society of Virginia; he used his computer expertise to modernize systems and increase efficiency at both organizations; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, Paul Galanti was named Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services and subsequently was appointed to the Board of Visitors of Virginia Military Institute; deeply respected for his work with veterans, Paul Galanti served as a member and leader of numerous organizations and committees supporting former prisoners of war; and
WHEREAS, Paul Galanti earned many awards and accolades throughout his military and professional careers, including the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and nine Air Medals; he was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center at the Virginia War Memorial is named in his and his late wife’s honor; and
WHEREAS, in his well-earned retirement, Paul Galanti plans to serve the community and the Commonwealth by continuing to support veterans affairs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Paul Galanti on the occasion of his retirement as Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Paul Galanti as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his dedicated service to the veteran community, the Commonwealth, and the nation.