Senate Resolution No. 1326

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Terry Brown 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 Terry
Brown 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; he will be presented with this prestigious award and as
the first Albany County Hometown Hero at the First Annual Heroes Dinner
on Friday, November 5, 2021; 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, After graduating from Philip Schuyler High School in
Albany, New York, in 1965, Terry Brown earned his Bachelor of Arts
degree in both economics and American history from the University at
Albany; and

WHEREAS, On October 4, 1968, Terry Brown was drafted into the United
States Army; after completing Combat Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey,
he was sent to the Republic of South Vietnam on April 19, 1969, where he
proudly served his country in Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th
Infantry (Band of Brothers Regiment) of the 101st Airborne Division at
Camp Evans, near the Ashau Valley and Hamburger Hill; and

WHEREAS, 1st Sergeant Terry Brown's battalion provided support,
including detection of booby traps and mines, rescue and recovery
missions of soldiers WIA or KIA, infantry support and discovery of North
Vietnamese and Viet Cong ammunition and supply caches; he also fought at
Hamburger Hill and provided support during numerous Ashau Valley battles
and ambushes; and

WHEREAS, During 1st Sergeant Terry Brown's second tour in Vietnam,
he served as an Army reporter and photographer covering the 2nd
Battalion, 506th Infantry Soldiers; he covered numerous military stories
for the Army Times, the Screaming Eagles, the Stars and Stripes and the
Associated Press; years later, he returned to Hamburger Hill, where he
captured numerous photographs of the place so many lost their lives; and

WHEREAS, As a reserve component soldier with the New York State
National Guard and Army Reserve, 1st Sergeant Terry Brown was called
back to active duty nine times, including the Persian Gulf war, the war
in Bosnia and response to Hurricanes Gloria and Andrew; in 2006, he
officially retired from military duty; and


WHEREAS, During this time, 1st Sergeant Terry Brown served as a
supervisor of the NATO Coalition Press Information Center in Tuzla,
Bosnia, and as a public affairs supervisor of the Army Reserve 1209th
Army Garrison and 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during his many deployments, 1st
Sergeant Terry Brown was awarded 32 medals and commendations including
the Bronze Star; this remarkable soldier was also the recipient of 26
military journalism awards and was honored for his work with several
military newspapers; and

WHEREAS, As a civilian, Terry Brown was a military columnist,
reporter and copy editor at the Albany Times Union before retiring after
43 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Terry Brown is a vital and important part of his community,
serving the Episcopal Grace Church in Waterford, New York, in numerous
capacities; he also helped found the Waterford Area Long Term Recovery
Coalition, which helps residents recover from various natural disasters;
and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, Terry Brown is a member of
the Alliance of Therapy Dogs; with his therapy dogs, Ziggy, Jenna, Rosie
and Ferra, he has helped many veterans manage PTSD; in addition, he is
involved with the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans, the 101st
Airborne Division Association and the 506th Battalion Association; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Terry Brown 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 Terry Brown 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 Terry Brown.