Senate Resolution No. 2879

BY: Senator JORDAN

COMMENDING Dale R. French 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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Dale R.
French 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 Rensselaer County Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Monday, September 12, 2022; 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, Dale R. "Dick" French was born on February 17, 1930, to
Hillis and Gladys French in Luken Township, Illinois; two years later,
he and his family moved to Loudonville, New York, and in 1947, he
graduated from the Milne School in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, On January 27, 1951, Dale R. French married the former
Carole Mae Riggs, in Hudson, New York, and together, they raised their
two children, Richard and Dana; and

WHEREAS, After enlisting in the United States Army on February 6,
1951, Dale R. French proudly served his country as a member of the 514th
Medical Clearing Company during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the conflict, Dale R.
French was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and the
United Nationals Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service with the rank
of Corporal on January 22, 1953, Dale R. French returned to the Capital
Region and held several jobs, including part-time bus driver for Hoosick
Central School from 1955-1982; he was then employed with the Town of
Schaghticoke Highway Department until his retirement in 1987; and

WHEREAS, Dale R. French also owned and operated a dairy farm in the
hamlet of Melrose, New York, from 1959-1999; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, Dale R. French was a
Lifetime Member of the Chandler Young VFW Post 8162 in Nassau, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Dale R. French was an active member of his Nassau
community, serving as a Village Trustee for 16 years, and Town of

Schaghticoke Councilman for four years; he was also the Director of the
Schaghticoke Fair for five decades, and held the title of President for
five years; and

WHEREAS, In 1994, Dale R. French married the former Margaret Van
Desusen in Rensselaer, New York, and was the proud stepfather of Lisa
Bransky and Lori Clark; and

WHEREAS, An avid Yankees and Duke University Blue Devils basketball
fan, Dale R. French took up golf at age 70 and enjoyed reading; above
all, he loved spending time with his beloved family, especially his four
grandchildren, Zac, Sarah, Courtney, and Steph; and three
great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Olivia, and Jeffrey Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Dale R. French died on November 2, 2020, at the age of 90,
and was buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Schaghticoke; 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,
Dale R. French 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 Dale R. French 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 Dale R. French.