Honor Paul B. Struys, Jr.

Senate Resolution No. 2183 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING Paul B. Struys, 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, 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 commend Paul B. Struys, 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 Schenectady County Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Saturday,

September 14, 2019; 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, Paul B. Struys, Jr. was born to Bettye Jayne (Noonan) and Paul B. Struys, Sr. on March 21, 1967; after graduating from Linton High School, he entered the Army National Guard, HQ 151 Battalion, 210th Armor - 1st Army; on December 3, 1990, he was activated and proudly served his country supporting Desert Shield/Desert Storm; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during these operations, Paul B. Struys, Jr. was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with a Bronze Star device, and both the Army Achievement and Commendation Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on July 22,

1991, with the rank of Sergeant, Paul B. Struys, Jr. returned to New York, and worked for the local YMCA, Price Chopper and the Charlton Highway Department; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, he was a vital member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 358 and Rolling Thunder, New York Chapter No. 5; and WHEREAS, Paul B. Struys, Jr. truly loved life and had the uncanny ability to make everyone laugh; he enjoyed spending time with his longtime partner, Christine Wojtowecz, and his two sons, Jonpaul and Joseph A. Struys, and took great pleasure in working on both the farm and his motorcycles; and WHEREAS, Paul B. Struys, Jr. died on November 14, 2008, at the age of 41; 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, Paul B. Struys, 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 commend Paul B. Struys, 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 Paul B. Struys, Jr.