J 1046: Commending Thomas W. Vandish 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. 1046 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING Thomas W. Vandish 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 Thomas W. Vandish 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, Thomas W. Vandish is being honored by the Saratoga County Honor a Veteran Committee during its "Honor our Deceased Veterans Ceremony" on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Ballston Spa, New York; and WHEREAS, Thomas W. Vandish was born on April 2, 1928, in Syracuse, New York, to parents Warren and Martha; and WHEREAS, Thomas W. Vandish entered the United States Army on September 10, 1942; and WHEREAS, In the United States Army, Thomas W. Vandish was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines as a morse code operator, and on December 19, 1945, he was discharged at the rank of staff sergeant; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service in New Guinea and the Philippines, Thomas W. Vandish earned the respect and admiration of those he served alongside; and WHEREAS, After leaving the United States Army, Thomas W. Vandish moved to Malta, New York, in 1954, and he worked as a salesman and manager of Steel and Aluminum Distributor for Brace Mueller Huntly Inc., from 1946 to 1979; he then worked for Van Patten Golf Course from 1980 to 1993; and WHEREAS, Thomas W. Vandish was committed to serving his local community, and he did so as a former cub master for the Malta Cub Scout Pack, a volunteer fireman for the Malta Ridge Fire Company, and a member and past Commander of the VFW Post 358; and WHEREAS, In his personal time, Thomas W. Vandish enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, and spending time with his wife, Laura, and their two daughters and two sons; and WHEREAS, Thomas W. Vandish died on July 1, 2004, at the age of 76; 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, Thomas W. Vandish 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 Thomas W. Vandish 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 Thomas W. Vandish.