Honor Sergeant Rogers with Medal

Senate Resolution No. 395 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, 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 esteemed Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, 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 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, Cornelius Richard "Sonny" Rogers, Jr., was born to Cornelius R. and Bertha (Bartlow) Rogers in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, on December 22, 1949; he was raised in Philmont, New York, attending schools in the Ockawamick Central School District; and WHEREAS, On January 9, 1969, Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., enlisted in the United States Air Force in Albany, New York; his training commenced at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and additional training for aircraft mechanics occurred at Sheppard Air Force Base, also in Texas; and WHEREAS, Sergeant (E-4) Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., was assigned to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, which was deployed to Thailand in Southeast Asia, for four months during the Vietnam War after which he was stationed with the same unit in Germany where he earned his General Education Diploma (GED); at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, he was honorably discharged from duty; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., was awarded the Air Force Service Medal, Air Force Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., married Irene Miller on May

23, 2021, in Livingston, New York; during his career, he worked in maintenance for the Columbia County Department of Public Works prior to his employment as a toll collector for the New York State Thruway Authority from which he retired; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., was a lifetime member of the Ghent VFW Post No. 5933, Past Commander of the Copake VFW Post No. 7955, Second Vice Commander of the Hudson American Legion Post No. 184, and a lifetime member of the DAV Chapter 150; and WHEREAS, Watching his grandchildren participate in sports, fishing in Saratoga and Lake George, and attending family barbecues were just a few pleasures Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., enjoyed during his retirement; and WHEREAS, Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., died on February 18, 2023, at the age of 73; he is survived by his lovely wife, Irene; five stepchildren; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; all who count themselves fortunate to have shared their lives with him will deeply miss his warm disposition; 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 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, Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, 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 Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, 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 Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr.