Honor Willie "Mack" Jackson

Senate Resolution No. 1287 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Willie "Mack" Jackson 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 Willie "Mack" Jackson 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 on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Historic Catskill Point Warehouse in Catskill, 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, A resident of Catskill, New York for over 82 years, Willie "Mack" Jackson was born on February 1, 1940, in Warrenton, Georgia, and raised in Catskill, where he attended Irving Elementary School and graduated from Catskill High School in June 1958; and WHEREAS, Answering the call of duty, Willie Jackson proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962 during the Vietnam Era, achieving the rank of Private First Class (PFC); he served in the 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) as a Communications Specialist (MOS 31) stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, and later deployed to the Fulda Gap region of Germany in defense of Europe during a time of heightened international tension; and WHEREAS, For his honorable and distinguished military service, Willie Jackson was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Overseas Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for his support of U.S. operations assisting friendly foreign nations; and WHEREAS, Following his military service, Willie Jackson returned home to Catskill and embarked on a civilian career with the Ravena Cement Plant, where he worked diligently for 34 years until his retirement; and WHEREAS, Beyond his professional life, Willie Jackson dedicated over

40 years to community service, most notably as a youth mentor and Sports Program Manager at the Catskill Boys Club, where he inspired and shaped the lives of countless young people; and WHEREAS, For 26 years, he selflessly served as a Little League Umpire Coach at Elliot Park, a role through which he fostered sportsmanship, discipline, and character in generations of Catskill youth; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his unparalleled commitment and enduring impact, the Town of Catskill and the surrounding Greene County community honored Willie Jackson by renaming the local baseball field in his name, a lasting tribute to a lifetime of service; and WHEREAS, Willie Jackson is a lifetime member of the Sullivan Theater VFW Post 470, continuing his unwavering support for fellow veterans and upholding the values of patriotism and public service; and WHEREAS, Through his service in uniform and his steadfast dedication to his community, Willie "Mack" Jackson exemplifies the very best of the American spirit, and his life serves as an enduring inspiration to all who know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Willie "Mack" Jackson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, and to extend to him its sincere gratitude and appreciation for his extraordinary service to his country and community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mr. Willie "Mack" Jackson.