09-13-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 , Whereas Reverend Neely studied at the US Army Chaplain School at Ft. Hamilton, in New York and at Ft. Slocum, in New York; served as a Army Chaplain in various units throughout the world, including Vietnam; and was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device for Valor; and , Whereas Reverend Neely’s long and distinguished career includes having served as a Presbyterian Church Pastor; Associate Professor at IU South Bend; a member of the 2002 US Olympic Sports Massage Team; Grief Counselor to a local funeral home; and many other Pastor assignments; and , Whereas in November of 1977, the Board of Public Safety for the City of South Bend appointed Reverend Neely to be a Chaplain for the Police and Fire Departments and in this capacity he is known by the sworn members of the departments as a most sincere person of “faith, comfort and strength” who is always working on ideas to make the Chaplain Program the most vital and supportive program possible; was awarded the Wilbert Cunningham Award for Excellence in Police Chaplaincy in 2008; and serves as a Chaplain to Miller’s Vets, Company C; and , Whereas perhaps one of the best ways to attempt to thank Reverend Neely for the many lives which he has positively touched, especially during tough and trying times, is to recall his very own words: “You can crumble on the inside, but you’ve got to be a tower of strength on the outside. You just have to maintain that minister presence”. Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council hereby publicly honors and celebrates with a very grateful South Bend Community the many, many accomplishments and the thirty-three (33) years of loyal and dedicated service of Reverend Donald L. Neely as a Chaplain to the South Bend Fire and Police Departments. Section II. The South Bend Common Council honors Reverend Donald L. Neely for his sincere dedication, passion & special talents for serving for more than three (3) decades as Chaplain to the men and women who serve and have served as police officers and firefighters on the South Bend Police & Fire Departments; & would further like to thank him for providing words of inspiration to the City Council during his many Invocations. Section III. The Common Council of the City of South Bend wishes Reverend Donald L. Neely,his wife, Elaine, their children Lisa, Annette and Bruce; their seven (7) grandchildren Mallory, Joseph, Zoe, Erin, Ben, Liam and Phoebe; and all of their family members the very best in the years ahead in retirement; and hopes that they will have many, many years of countless and timeless memories with family and friends. Section IV. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. s/Derek D. Dieter Member of the Common Council Councilmember Ann Puzzello, 1247 E. LaSalle Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this bill by first offering her comments and then presenting the Resolution to Rev. Neely. 2