Honor Veteran Harry Prutsman

Senate Resolution No. 637 BY: Senator MARCHIONE HONORING Harry C. Prutsman 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, From time to time, this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Harry C. Prutsman 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 celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, February 28, 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, Born on October 10, 1942, in Hollywood, California, Harry C. Prutsman graduated from Bishop Amat Memorial High School in 1961; and WHEREAS, On December 1, 1965, Harry C. Prutsman entered into the United States Army; he proudly served his country for two terms in Vietnam as a veterinary specialist, caring for military police and scout dogs that often fell ill to tropical diseases or wounded in action; and WHEREAS, Harry C. Prutsman earned several medals and accolades for his exceptional military service including the Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter (M-14 Rifle) Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon completion of his service, he headed east and met the love of his life, Patricia; two years later, the couple were married; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to the service of his fellow veterans, Harry C. Prutsman worked as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Person (DVOP) with the New York State Department of Labor; he was recognized as the NYS DVOP of the Year; he was instrumental in creating the Adirondack Veterans House in Glens Falls, the Capital Region Veterans Stand Down Committee to assist homeless and low-income veterans; he was the past president of the Vietnam Veterans of America and assisted in the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at SUNY Adirondack; and WHEREAS, Continuing with his passion for dogs, Harry C. Prutsman was an agility teacher and was inducted into the Glens Falls Kennel Club Hall of Fame in 2009; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Harry C. Prutsman and his wife would volunteer with their dogs at many elementary schools working with children who had reading and behavioral challenges, as well as taking his dogs to nursing homes as part of the Therapy Dog International Project; and WHEREAS, Harry C. Prutsman died Friday, June 1, 2012, at the age of

69; predeceased by his parents, and his sister Loretta, he is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Patricia, his three children, Jim Prutsman (Cathy), Melanie Trudo and Mike Prutsman (Katilyn); 10 grandchildren, Trenton, Eliza Jane, Frances, Nickolas, Gabriel, Jeffrey, Joshua, Violet, Kolton and Camden; three brothers, Joe, John and Frank; one sister, Patricia; and three dogs, Madie Lou, Baxter and Chance; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Harry C. Prutsman displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Harry C. Prutsman demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserved 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 Harry C. Prutsman posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as a 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 Harry C. Prutsman.