Honor Medal for Austin Wilcox

Senate Resolution No. 2254 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING Austin A. Wilcox 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 Austin A. Wilcox 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 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, Austin A. Wilcox was born on July 5, 1948, in Troy, New York, the son of Ambrose and Florence (Jones) Wilcox; he attended Public School 112 and went on to earn a degree from SUNY Empire State in Saratoga Springs, New York; and WHEREAS, Austin A. Wilcox's commitment to his country defined him as he served in both the Vietnam and Afghanistan Wars; for his courageous service during both wars, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Bronze Service Star; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in Vietnam, Austin A. Wilcox pursued an education and civilian employment in Supply Logistics; following his second tour in 2005, he returned home to his job as a Service Coordinator with a Community College; and WHEREAS, Austin A. Wilcox was the proud father of four children, Lucille, Denise, Austin, and Tanya, and the loving grandfather of five grandchildren, Alexander, Krissa, Susan, Maria, as well as Samantha and one great-grandchild, Julian; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Austin A. Wilcox was a life member of the Veterans of Lansingburgh, New York, where he participated in many parades; he also loved playing his harmonica and working in his woodshop; and WHEREAS, Austin A. Wilcox died on March 10, 2019, at the age of 70; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Austin A. Wilcox 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 Austin A. Wilcox 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 Austin A. Wilcox.