Honor Fennoff With Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 2684 BY: Senator MARCHIONE HONORING Richard Willie Fennoff 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 Richard Willie Fennoff 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 Columbia County Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Monday, June 26, 2017; 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, Richard Willie Fennoff was born on March 28, 1935 to Willie and Gladys Fennoff; a graduate of Hudson High School, he worked in the produce department at the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company; and WHEREAS, On May 19, 1954, Richard Willie Fennoff enlisted in the United States Navy and completed his training as Radioman Class "A" at the USN Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland; he was then assigned to the United States Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island; and WHEREAS, Richard Willie Fennoff proudly served his country as a Radioman 2nd Class for the USS Taconic (AGC-17), a command ship in the Atlantic Fleet; after completing his tour of duty, he was honorably discharged from active duty on May 14, 1958, and assigned to the Third Naval District, New York, as a reservist, where he served until May 18,

1957, in Hudson, New York; he then went to work as a draftsman and upon retirement, he worked as a driver for a health care consortium; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Richard Willie Fennoff was an active member of numerous organizations including Boy Scouts, Ghent Little League, Ghent 4-H, the Hudson Whalers Pop Warner and a communicant of West Ghent Reformed Church; and WHEREAS, Richard Willie Fennoff died on September 20, 2007, at the age of 72; he is survived by his wife, Eleanor, their two children, Ron and Lori, and four grandchildren; 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, Richard Willie Fennoff 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 Richard Willie Fennoff 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 Richard Willie Fennoff.