Senate Resolution No. 1328

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Robert W. Van Pelt 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 Robert W.
Van Pelt 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, Retired Command Sergeant Major Robert W. Van Pelt proudly
served his country for 42 years as a member of the United States Army in
numerous assignments in the Active Army, Army National Guard and Army
Reserve from 1969 until his retirement in June 2011; and

WHEREAS, Robert W. Van Pelt began his illustrious military career as
a draftee in March of 1969; while attending Basic Training at Fort
Jackson, South Carolina, he reenlisted and selected Fixed Station
Automatic Digital Network Technical Controller as his Military
Occupation Specialty; and

WHEREAS, After completing school, Robert W. Van Pelt was assigned to
the First Signal Brigade, Phu Lam, Republic of Vietnam, serving from
February of 1970 to February of 1971; following his tour in Vietnam, he
was assigned to the United States Army Strategic Communications Command
at Camp Darby, Coltano, Italy, until December of 1971; and

WHEREAS, Robert W. Van Pelt then left active duty and joined the New
York Army National Guard where he served as a Multichannel Radio Chief
with the 187th Signal Group; some years later, civilian job
opportunities took him to Tennessee where he continued his Army career
serving as the Communications Chief for Company A, 3/109 Armor with the
Tennessee Army National Guard; and

WHEREAS, After returning to New York, Robert W. Van Pelt rejoined
the New York Army National Guard where he rose through the ranks to
Sergeant Major in March of 1987, and served as the operations Sergeant
Major for the 187th Signal Brigade; and

WHEREAS, Appointed to Command Sergeant Major in October of 1991,
this brave soldier served as the Command Sergeant Major for the 242nd
Signal Battalion, 1-101st Cavalry, 187th Signal Brigade, 53rd Troop

Command, and managed the Empire State Military Academy Signal School in
Farmingdale, Long Island; and

WHEREAS, Command Sergeant Major Robert W. Van Pelt's leadership and
duty performance resulted in his selection as the Division Command
Sergeant Major for the historic 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division in
1998; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, his distinguished Army career culminated in
June of 2001, with his appointment as the Command Sergeant Major for the
New York National Guard, the esteemed position he held until his
retirement in June of 2011; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to serving his
country and fellow Veterans, Robert W. Van Pelt accepted a position as
the New York National Guard Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
program manager; in this capacity, he was instrumental in developing and
maintaining the NYNG Job Zone website and was able to foster
relationships between Veteran friendly employers and the Reserve
Components; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man also established a strong
relationship with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which led to his
organization of 27 job fairs for Servicemembers, Veterans and their
family members throughout New York State; furthermore, he has attended
countless Yellow Ribbon events for both deploying and returning Soldiers
across New York State; and

WHEREAS, Even after retiring in June of 2017, Robert W. Van Pelt
continues to attend these Yellow Ribbon events in support of our
Servicemembers and also gave tirelessly of his time and energies as a
New York National Guard Transition Assistant Advisor, aiding New York
Guardsmen in their transition from Army service; and

WHEREAS, Robert W. Van Pelt is a longtime volunteer serving the
Capital District of New York Chapter of the Association of the United
States Army (AUSA); he started his leadership role with the Chapter
serving as the Chapter Treasurer for four years (2008-2012) and then
serving as the President for six years (2012-2018); and

WHEREAS, Today, Robert W. Van Pelt continues his volunteer support
to his AUSA chapter serving as the 1st VP (Membership) and Chapter
Executive Director; he is also the membership chairman for the 1st
Signal Brigade Association, a nationwide organization; and

WHEREAS, Robert W. Van Pelt's selfless service also extends into the
local communities where, since 1997, he has served as the chairman of
the grants committee of the National Guard and Naval Militia Relief
Society of New York, Inc., an organization that supports members of the
New York State Militia in need; he is also a member of the Saratoga
County Chamber of Commerce Veterans Business Council and serves on the
Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Volunteer Committee; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Robert W. Van Pelt demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; 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 W. Van Pelt 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 Robert W. Van Pelt.