Honor Howard A. Richards

Senate Resolution No. 2946 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING Howard A. Richards 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 Howard A. Richards 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, Howard A. Richards was born to Charlotte (Hutchinson) and Abram Richards on January 16, 1922, in Nassau, New York; after graduating from Martin Van Buren High School in Valatie, New York, he worked as a plumber for several years before enlisting in the United States Army on November 11, 1942; and WHEREAS, Howard A. Richards proudly served his country as a Sergeant during World War II; during his three-year deployment, he supervised 16 men in various aspects of firearms with Battery C 337th Field Artillery Battalion; and WHEREAS, During this time, Sergeant Howard A. Richards also studied all known war gases, their uses and effects and defense against them at Chemical Warfare School; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War, Sergeant Howard A. Richards was awarded the American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on November 5,

1945, Howard A. Richards returned to his hometown and resumed his career with the Plumber and Steamfitter Local No. 7, working various jobs throughout the Capital District; he officially retired after 37 years of service; and WHEREAS, Howard A. Richards was also employed at Schaefer Brewery in Albany, New York, for many years; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, Howard A. Richards was a vital member of VFW Post No. 8162, Nassau American Legion Post No. 1268, and Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530; and WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Howard A. Richards enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was camping or fishing, and liked to play cards and work on puzzles; above all, he loved to spend time with his wife of 44 years, the former Dorothy Karle; his four daughters, Cheryl, Corinne, Claudia, and Cindy; and most especially, his eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Aisha, Kam, Jason, Karlee, Michael, Christie, and Robin; and WHEREAS, Howard A. Richards died on August 2, 1987, at the age of

65; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Howard A. Richards 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 Howard A. Richards 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 Howard A. Richards.