Honor Liberty Medal to Veteran

Senate Resolution No. 397 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Robert Jesse Warrington 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; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert Jesse Warrington 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, to be presented at the Columbia County Honor-A-Veteran ceremony on Monday, September 23, 2024, in Hudson, New York; and WHEREAS, Robert Jesse Warrington was born on June 23, 1947, to George and Delcia Warrington in Portland, Maine, and attended Ichabod Crane High School where he graduated in 1965; and WHEREAS, On April 16, 1966, Robert Jesse Warrington enlisted in the United States Navy in Albany, New York and proudly served as a Seaman and received additional training as an ordnance mechanic in Norfolk, Virginia, with courses like basic nuclear weapons and weapons loading with a Torpedoman's Mate rating; and WHEREAS, Robert Jesse Warrington was assigned to Master Diversion Airfield at Machrihanish, Scotland where, during the Cold War, the U.S. Navy established a Naval Aviation Weapons Facility there as part of the NATO alliance; and WHEREAS, During his service in the Navy, Robert Jesse Warrington was a member of the Navy's Ceremonial Guard that served as escort for military funerals, presided at Presidential inaugurations, and ceremonial duties for foreign officials; and WHEREAS, Seaman Robert Jesse Warrington was honorably discharged on

April 11, 1969, at Naval Station, Washington, D.C.; for his commitment and dedicated service to the United States Military, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; and WHEREAS, In his mid-twenties, Robert Jesse Warrington played semi-professional football for the Empire League Massena Warriors and the Twin-County Vikings; he continued to compete in the Empire State Games in weightlifting, discus, and shotput into his fifties; and WHEREAS, Remaining active in his community after his time with the Navy, Robert Jesse Warrington was a member of the Valatie VFW and the Kinderhook Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Robert Jesse Warrington died on February 23, 2023, in Hollandale, Florida; alongside him throughout his meaningful life had been his spouse, Patricia; five children, Robert, Craig, Kelly, Paul, and Shain; and five grandchildren, all of whom he is survived by; 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 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, Robert Jesse Warrington 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 Robert Jesse Warrington posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal on September 23, 2024; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Robert Jesse Warrington.