Honor Thomas Hendry, Jr.

Senate Resolution No. 5469 BY: Senator MARCHIONE HONORING Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 Rensselaer County Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on September 10,

1, 1944; and WHEREAS, A rifleman and mortar gunner, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was promoted to Corporal and served with the 3rd Army, 15th Cavalry Recon Squad in the EAME Theater where he was in charge of a mortar crew of three enlisted men; he and his men provided fire power for cavalry and infantry units; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, this brave soldier aided in the capture of enemy positions and personnel, and was wounded in the Battle of Brest, France on August 23, 1944; he was discharged on September 10, 1947; and WHEREAS, For his valiant military service, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was awarded many ribbons and citations, including the Bronze Battle Star, the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon, and a Purple Heart; and WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Springfield College; he married the former Helen L. Filkin on May 1, 1953, in Troy, New York, and together they raised three children; and WHEREAS, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. spent his illustrious career at the Rensselear County Department of Social Services, where he served as a social worker and deputy commissioner for 37 years, retiring in the spring of 1989; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was active in youth coaching with Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball and basketball; he was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Troy, New York, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church, and a chairman of its trustees for the past two decades; and WHEREAS, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. died on December 14, 1992, at the age of 69; he is survived by his wife, Helen; a son, Thomas; two daughters, Carol and Sara; and seven grandchildren, Gillian, Shane, Rachel, Sara Jane, Mary, Stephen and Thomas; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 Thomas E. Hendry, Jr.