Senate Resolution No. 2130

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. 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 Arnold T.
Anderson, Sr. 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 a Columbia
County Honor a Veteran Ceremony; 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, Arnold T. Anderson, Sr., known to his friends and family as
Arnie, was born on February 7, 1950, to Albert and Elizabeth Anderson in
Norwich, New York; raised in Amenia, New York, he graduated from
Webatuck Central School, and later, attended Columbia-Green Community
College where he earned an associate's degree in Business Administration
in 1996; and

WHEREAS, After enlisting in the United States Army on December 28,
1968, Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. successfully completed basic training, and
additional training for eight weeks as a heavy vehicle driver; and

WHEREAS, Specialist 4 Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. proudly served his
country as a heavy vehicle driver from May 23, 1969, to April 29, 1970,
during the Vietnam War; he was then assigned to his new duty station at
the Military Academy at West Point on December 23, 1971, where he served
out his enlistment; and

WHEREAS, Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. next served in the reserves for the
USAR Control Group, USAAC, St. Louis, Missouri, for the remainder of his
military commitment; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Arnold
T. Anderson, Sr. was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign
Medal w/1960 Device, and the National Defense Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Arnold T.
Anderson, Sr. returned to his home town and married the former Helen
Ploof on April 10, 1971, in Copake, New York; the couple resided in
Ancramdale, New York, where together, they raised three children; and

WHEREAS, Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. was an owner/operator cross-country
truck driver before he officially retired after 20 years of work; and


WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community and fellow veterans, Arnold T.
Anderson, Sr. was a member of the Clausson-Raught Community Rescue
Squad, the Columbia County WWII Armed Services Committee, Honor A Vet
Committee, Vietnam Veteran's Association, Northeast USA Vietnam
Veteran's Reunion Committee, DAV Post No. 194, American Legion Post No.
178, Copake VFW Post No. 7955, Rip Van Winkle Country Council VFW, and
District 3 VFW; and

WHEREAS, Through these important veterans' organizations, Arnold T.
Anderson, Sr. worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the effects of
Agent Orange on those who served in Southeast Asia; and

WHEREAS, Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. died on March 26, 2020, at the age
of 70; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. is
survived by his two daughters, Melissa and BobbieJo; one son, Arnold;
and 10 grandchildren, as well as numerous friends who will long cherish
his memory; 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,
Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. 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 Arnold T. Anderson, Sr. 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 Arnold T. Anderson, Sr.