LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of
Donald M. Van Buskirk, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Former 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, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, The late Donald M. Van Buskirk will be honored on Monday,
April 6, 2009, at the Albany County "Honor a Veteran Ceremony" to be
held at the County Cahill Room, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Donald M. Van Buskirk of Waterford, New York, died on January
26, 1996; he was born on January 20, 1916, in Green Island, New York; he
served in the United States Army from February 1941, to September 1945;
and
WHEREAS, During his active duty military service, Donald M. Van
Buskirk held the rank of corporal as a member of the 437 Signal Heavy
Construction Battalion attached to the Army Air Corps; and
WHEREAS, While on active duty, Donald M. Van Buskirk participated in
the battles of Tunisia, Sicily, the Naples-Foggia area, Rome-Arno
district, the Po Valley, and the North Apennines; he received the Meri-
torious Service Medal with six Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Ameri-
can Defense Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal; and
WHEREAS, After the war, Donald M. Van Buskirk was employed with the
former Bendix Company in Green Island for 40 years prior to his retire-
ment in 1976 as a supervisor in the testing department; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Donald M. Van Buskirk was a member
of the Legnard Curtain Post American Legion and Charles J. Brady 235 VFW
Post of Green Island; he was also a member of the Cohoes Elks and a 30
year member and former trustee of the J.W. Ford Hose Company; and
WHEREAS, Donald M. Van Buskirk is survived by his daughter, Diane Lord
of Waterford, New York; his daughter and son-in-law, Dale and Mike
O'Neil; a granddaughter and her husband, Kimberly and Kevin Soden, and
their son, Zak; and a granddaughter Kristine Lord; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Donald M. Van Buskirk, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Donald M. Van Buskirk.