Honor Earl W. Coons

Senate Resolution No. 4368 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Earl W. Coons posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony on April 9, 2018 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; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have served in times of peace; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Earl W. Coons posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, April 9, 2018; and WHEREAS, Born to the late Mary Louise (Salisbury) and Earl Coons on

September 25, 1914, in Troy, New York, Earl W. Coons attended Haskell School and Troy Public High School; after graduating, he worked as a bus driver for General Electric; and WHEREAS, On February 16, 1941, Earl W. Coons married his second wife, the former Margaret Davis; prior to enlisting in the service, he worked as a bus driver; and WHEREAS, Earl W. Coons served his country as a member of the United States Army as an Aerial Engineer Gunner 748 during World War II; upon the completion of his military service in 1945, he had attained the rank of Technical Sergeant, and served in the New York National Guard for over three years; and WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Earl W. Coons was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal; and WHEREAS, For many years, Earl W. Coons was a self-employed contractor working in the Troy area; in 1979, he officially retired from this role; devoted to his fellow man and woman, he was a vital member of the Troy Lodge of Elks No. 141 and Lansingburgh Order of the Odd Fellows; and WHEREAS, Earl W. Coons died on February 6, 1989, at the age of 75; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad, these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 Earl W. Coons posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony on April 9, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Earl W. Coons.