Honor Charles Shuman, Sr.

Senate Resolution No. 1989 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING Charles A. Shuman, Sr. 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, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Charles A. Shuman, Sr. 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 Saratoga County Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, 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, Charles A. Shuman, Sr. was born in October of 1927, to parents Labe and Florence Shuman in Hadley, New York; he graduated from Hadley Luzerne Central School in 1945; and WHEREAS, After graduation, Charles A. Shuman, Sr., affectionately known as Charlie, worked on several farms and ranches in Hadley; in August of 1945, he married his wife, Joyce; and WHEREAS, From June 18, 1945 until July 25, 1946, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during World War II; after completing his basic training at USNTC Sampson, New York, he was assigned to the Transport Ship USS Admiral W. S. Benson; and WHEREAS, Towards the end of the War, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. served on the USS (LSM)-140, a Landing Ship Medium class vessel, during the Pacific Theater; he also worked in Occupation Service in the Far East following the Japanese surrender; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, After his discharge with the rank of Seaman First Class, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. served in the Naval Reserves until 1954; and WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. went to work for International Paper Hudson River Mill; he was then employed at Niagara Mohawk Power Company for 30 years until his retirement; in this capacity, he was a participant of the IBEW Union, where he held the position of President; and WHEREAS, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. was an active member of the Hudson Sacandaga VFW Post No. 5836, where he held the title of Commander, and then Quartermaster; he was also a vital part of the William J. Varney American Legion Post No. 862; and WHEREAS, In addition, Charlie A. Shuman, Sr. was a longtime member of the Free and Accepted Masons Club, and the Opalescent Hunting Club; 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, Charles A. Shuman, Sr. 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 honor Charles A. Shuman, Sr. 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 A. Shuman, Sr.