Honor Donald Champagne Posthumously

Senate Resolution No. 3073 BY: Senator TEDISCO HONORING Donald E. Champagne 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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Donald E. Champagne 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, July 18, 2017, 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, Born on August 22, 1916, in Galway, New York, Donald E. Champagne graduated from Ballston Spa High School, during which time he worked several jobs to help support his family; and WHEREAS, Donald E. Champagne valiantly served his country as a member of the United States Navy; enlisting on June 5, 1943, he was part of the 105th Naval Construction Battalion; and WHEREAS, On January 17, 1944, this brave soldier began his service in New Guinea aboard the SS Sea Devil, where he remained until October

12, 1944; in January of 1945, he was authorized to wear the shoulder insignia for Seabees, and four months later, he was instrumental in the liberation of the Philippines; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Donald E. Champagne was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with one Bronze Star; he was honorably discharged on November 16, 1945, with the esteemed rank of Chief Carpenters Mate; and WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, Donald E. Champagne owned and operated Don Champagne Builders until his death on

March 25, 1972; he was a member and past Commander and President of the VFW Post No. 358; and WHEREAS, In addition, this distinguished veteran was past President of the Lions Club of Ballston Spa and a member of the Ballston Spa Order of Masons; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Donald E. Champagne 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 Donald E. Champagne 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 Donald E. Champagne.