Chris Jacobs

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Anatoly Dwigun, who passed away on February 24, 2022, at the age of 76.

Mr. Dwigun was born in Germany on October 28, 1945. His two parents and three siblings immigrated to the United States in 1955 when he was ten years old. A true exemplar of American patriotism, Mr. Dwigun joined the U.S. Army in 1968, just shortly after earning his American citizenship. His remarkable service in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic and door gunner led to him receiving several honors: including the Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the New York State Conspicuous Services Cross Award. In a demonstration of humility, Mr. Dwigun declined to accept the Purple Heart; in his own words, stating he was not ``as worthy of that honor, as those who lost their lives''. Following Vietnam, Mr. Dwigun proudly worked as an engineer and spent considerable time enjoying the outdoors. He was precise and caring in all his actions, best exemplified by his superb vehicle-maintenance abilities and immaculate yard work.

Mr. Dwigun's humility was constantly reflected during his marriage to his loving wife, Janice. The two shared countless happy memories not only with each other, but also their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many of his most cherished times were during family gatherings and shared meals. To summarize, Mr. Dwigun's memory lives on through his family and his country.

Madam Speaker, please join me celebrating Mr. Dwigun's life and in honoring his life's work and all his achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 80th birthday of Alan Dewart, a business and civic leader in our community.

Alan has been an entrepreneur and real estate developer for his entire professional life. Alan's impact on the revitalization of the city of Buffalo is unparalleled.

During the dark economic times of the 1980s when the city was experiencing a mass exodus of people, businesses, and hope, Alan was a pioneer who reinvested and revitalized a section of downtown Buffalo, taking vacant and derelict buildings in Buffalo's theater district and transforming it into a vibrant city center consisting of apartments, restaurants, and music/entertainment venues, infusing life and vibrancy back into a historically significant section of our city.

Alan's pioneering work sowed the seeds of future developers and future projects to bring downtown Buffalo back to life.

I interned for Alan Dewart as a college student and through him developed a passion for urban revitalization. He is a friend and a mentor, and I thank him for all he has done for me and all he has done for our city.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mike Long, one of our State's greatest political leaders.

Mr. Long served as chairman of the New York State Conservative Party for three decades.

An article in the New York Post that was recently written called Mike a working-class champion, and that he was. From the beginning of his career in politics, he believed Conservatives and Republicans must focus on what matters for working-class Americans. Mike's beliefs were as correct today as they were nearly 60 years ago when he began his career in public service.

I remember speaking with Mike for the first time when I was going to run for a special election for the New York State Senate several decades ago now. At that time, we were talking about his family, and Mike's son had just been in a near-fatal accident, run over by a New York City bus while he was riding a bicycle. His son Matt broke numerous bones and had countless surgeries as a result. But like his father, he had incredible grit and determination, and he not only recovered but continued to compete in triathlons and Ironman competitions.

Mike lived out his conservative principles. He was married to his wife, Eileen, for 59 years and had nine children, as was mentioned, and countless numbers of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Our State and Nation are a better place due to Mike Long's service and commitment to his principles.

May he rest in peace.