J 193: Commending Charles D. Eells 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. 193 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING Charles D. Eells 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 Charles D. Eells 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 celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the County Building in Ballston Spa, New York; 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, The son of Harry and Carol Eells, Charles "Chuck" D. Eells was born on May 10, 1935 in Norwich, Connecticut; he graduated high school and attended college in Vermont where he studied cheese making; and WHEREAS, Charles D. Eells enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War and entered active duty on August 13, 1953; he served as a track vehicle mechanic with the 585th Ordinance Company at Nellingen Kaserne Barracks, Germany; and WHEREAS, Discharged on July 31, 1956, Specialist 3rd Class Charles D. Eells was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Occupation of Germany Medal; and WHEREAS, Charles D. Eells re-enlisted and entered into the United States Air Force on September 11, 1957, during which time he served with the 4347th Civil Engineer Squad as a Fire Protection Specialist; he went on to reenlist and reclass as a Special Investigations and Counterintelligence Technician, serving as a special agent in the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations for many years; and WHEREAS, After serving in Vietnam and the Philippines during the war, Charles D. Eells was named the lead federal representative for security at the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid; he retired on September 30, 1984, at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, at the esteemed rank of Chief Master Sergeant; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Charles D. Eells was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 6 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze service stars, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Airforce Outstanding Unit Award with 2 oak leaf clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Charles D. Eells married Marilyn in 1988 in Clifton Park, New York; he worked several jobs including, as a Dispatcher for a Trucking Company, a Rental agent for Hertz Rental, and a HEAP and Banking Rep for New York State; and WHEREAS, Finally, after officially retiring in 1992, Charles and Marilyn opened and operated King Crest Farm for more than 30 years; Charles truly loved staying at home on the farm and watching his family grow; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was a proud member of the Rensselaer County Draft Animal Association; and WHEREAS, Charles D. Eells died on December 9, 2022, at the age of 87, after a long and courageous battle with cancer resulting from Agent Orange while serving his country in Vietnam; 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, Charles D. Eells 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 Charles D. Eells 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 Charles D. Eells.