Senate Resolution No. 2180

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING William A. Nedoroscik posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend William A. Nedoroscik posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate, to be presented at the Rensselaer County Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on October 15, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 11, 1940, in Cohoes, New York, William A. Nedoroscik was the son of the late John and Agnes Bozek Nedoroscik and was a dual resident of both Troy and Waterford, New York; and

WHEREAS, William A. Nedoroscik proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy from 1958-1961, aboard the U.S.S. Valley Forge, and in the Naval Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Just one year later, William A. Nedoroscik enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and in 1966, as a member of B Company 1st Battalion, 26th Marines Special Landing Forces, "Ned" as he was known by his fellow Marines, served honorably against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this brave Marine participated in the since declassified operations known as Deckhouse III (Tinh Bihn Tuy Province), Deckhouse III phase 2-Code name "Toledo" (Tinh Phuoc Province), and Deckhouse IV (Quang Tri Province); he was honorably discharged in 1968; and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, William A. Nedoroscik was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, William A. Nedoroscik was employed in the construction industry, mostly by H & M Contractors and then by John L. Wojcik, Inc.; later in life he became the Camp Manager at Kelts' Grove in Waterford, where he was affectionately known as "Uncle Billy"; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, William A. Nedoroscik served on the Board of Directors of the Veterans of Lansingburgh Club in Troy, New York; he also served as a Marshal during several parades over the years, and was named Veteran of the Year in 2016; and

WHEREAS, William A. Nedoroscik died on April 15, 2018, at the age of 77; he is buried at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Deloris, and a niece, Carol, William A. Nedoroscik is survived by his son, William; siblings, Carol (Wayne), Chuck (Linda), Jim (Peggy), Ed (Sharon), Jean (Walter) and Jackie; and nieces and nephews, Paula (Paul), Eddie, Kathy, Ed, Frank, Samantha, Delene (John), Conrad, Walter, Tania, Richard, Tracy, Chuck, John, Robert (Linda), Michelle, Justin, Melissa, R.J. and Josh; as well as several great nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, William A. Nedoroscik demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore, the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend William A. Nedoroscik posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of William A. Nedoroscik.