Honor Joseph Mark Fletcher

Senate Resolution No. 396 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Joseph Mark Fletcher 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 Joseph Mark Fletcher 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, Born on August 14, 1945, to Felix and Betty (Wilson) Fletcher in Everett, Washington, Joseph Mark Fletcher graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1963, and attended Washington State University for two years; and WHEREAS, Joseph Mark Fletcher enlisted in the United States Army on

23 weeks of training as a combat engineer; in 1968, he was stationed in Southeast Asia where he trained Vietnamese Special Forces in the Republic of Vietnam; and WHEREAS, Honorably discharged on April 6, 1969, Sergeant Joseph Mark Fletcher received the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Parachute Badge, and the M14 Sharpshooter Medal for his valiant service to his country; and WHEREAS, Joseph Mark Fletcher and the former Julianne Case were united in marriage in Walla Walla in 1969; from 1970 to 1973, Joe attended Parks College of Aeronautical Technology in St. Louis University where he learned to pilot a plane; after the couple's two children, Christian and Mona, were born, Joe went to work as a loan officer at Baker Boyer Bank; and WHEREAS, Joseph and Julianne Fletcher were living in Livingston, New York, when he passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 77; in addition to his lovely wife and two children, Joe left behind four adored grandchildren; and WHEREAS, A man with a generous heart and an intense love of animals, Joseph Mark Fletcher is remembered as an astute, discerning and honorable man who instilled a high moral sense in his children, whom he was fiercely proud of; he had a creative mind, a quick sense of humor and wit, and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; 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 risked their lives for their beloved Nation; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Joseph Mark Fletcher 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 Joseph Mark Fletcher 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 Joseph Mark Fletcher.