J 1045: Commending George Ernest Kinnicutt 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

 Senate Resolution No. 1045 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING George Ernest Kinnicutt 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 George Ernest Kinnicutt 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 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, George Ernest Kinnicutt was born on August 11, 1955, in Hudson, New York, to Albert Ralph and Clara Lousi (Bailey) Kinnicutt; he grew up in Columbia County and attended Ichabod Crane Central School, graduating in 1975; and WHEREAS, In January 1979, George Ernest Kinnicutt enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in Rensselaer, New York; after completing basic training, he underwent advanced instruction in carpentry and masonry at the 4th Brigade United States Army Training Center at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; and WHEREAS, Following his active duty service of eight months and 24 days, Private George Ernest Kinnicutt was assigned to the 464th Engineers Battalion in Schenectady, New York, a unit supporting the vital mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and WHEREAS, Private Kinnicutt completed his enlistment with distinction and was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserves on July 27, 1984; and WHEREAS, George Kinnicutt married the former Lori Pula, and together they raised two daughters, Rebecca and Melissa, in their cherished home in Prospect Hills, North Chatham, New York; and WHEREAS, A hardworking and reliable member of his community, George worked for over four decades at L & B Factory Warehouse and later for five years at Hannaford in Valatie, New York; and WHEREAS, George Kinnicutt was widely known and admired as a dedicated family man, a supportive husband and father, and a generous individual always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need; and WHEREAS, Proud of his military service and deeply committed to his community, George Kinnicutt's life stands as a testament to the values of service, responsibility, and quiet heroism; and WHEREAS, George Ernest Kinnicutt passed away at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York, on January 4, 2025, at the age of 69, leaving behind his beloved wife Lori, his daughter Rebecca, and his grandson Robert, along with a legacy of service and love; 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 risked their lives for their beloved Nation; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, George Ernest Kinnicutt 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 George Ernest Kinnicutt 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 George Ernest Kinnicutt.