Senate Resolution No. 2480

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Robert C. Starr 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 Robert C.
Starr 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, Robert Charles Starr was born on July 22, 1949, in Sharon,
Connecticut to George and Naomi (Agnew) Starr; he grew up in Pawling,
New York, where he attended Pawling Elementary School and graduated from
Carmel High School; he later attended Columbia Green Community College;
and

WHEREAS, On April 3, 1967, Robert Charles Starr enlisted in the
United States Army as a private; upon his completion of basic training,
he attended Quartermaster Schooling in Fort Polk, Louisiana, before
reporting for duty on October 12, 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, After receiving additional training for "Huey" helicopters,
Specialist 5 Robert C. Starr served as crew chief and received an Air
Medal for flying more than 25 missions in 1968; and

WHEREAS, Having served one year, seven months and seven days in
Vietnam, Specialist 5 Robert C. Starr returned to the United States and
was assigned to Company E, 4th Battalion, 3rd Recruiting Brigade, 4th
Army until his honorable discharge; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man went on to serve for eight years in
the Army National Guard where he was activated to permanent flying
status during prison riots at Clinton Correctional Facility; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Specialist 5 Robert C. Starr
earned the Army Air Medal, Army Combat Badge, 3 Overseas Service Bars,
Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Ribbon,
and the M-16 Sharpshooter Medal; and

WHEREAS, Robert C. Starr and the former Carole Paterson were united
in marriage on October 1, 1983, in Hudson, New York; and

WHEREAS, Robert C. Starr spent his illustrious career in law
enforcement as a police officer serving the communities of Coxsackie,
Livingston and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, and was a
correctional officer at Mattawan Correctional Facility and Brookwood
Secure Center in Hudson, New York, where he retired in 1992 after 30
years of distinguished service; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Robert C. Starr was a member of the AMVETS and the Kinderhook
Elks, as well as a Past Commander of the Stuyvesant Falls Memorial VFW
Post No. 9593; and

WHEREAS, Robert C. Starr died on October 26, 2020, at 71 years old;
he is buried at Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson, New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his beloved wife, Robert C. Starr is
survived by two stepchildren, Thomas Buckley, Jr. and Kelly Novack; as
well as five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one
great-great-grandchild; 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,
Robert C. Starr 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 C. Starr 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 Robert C. Starr.