Senate Resolution No. 3023

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Dr. John F. Principe and Doris A.
Principe posthumously upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients 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 Dr. John
F. Principe and Doris A. Principe posthumously upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients 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, Born on January 30, 1928, to John and Elvira Principe, John
F. Principe graduated from Brooklyn College, and earned his Doctorate of
Dental Surgery degree in 1953, from New York University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John F. Principe entered the United States Air Force on
July 23, 1953, and, after completing his basic training at Gunter Air
Force Base in Alabama, he proudly served his country as a dentist for
his fellow airmen and women stationed at Hancock Air Base in Syracuse,
New York; and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Dr. John F. Principe was the
recipient of the National Defense Service Medal; he was discharged on
September 20, 1955, with the esteemed rank of Captain; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Dr. John F.
Principe owned and operated a dental practice for many years prior to
starting the Dental Department at CHP and Carter Community Center; in
addition to this role, he co-founded Better Neighborhoods, Inc. in an
attempt to improve the quality of life in Schenectady, New York, by
rebuilding the community one home at a time; and

WHEREAS, Doris A. Bjork was born to Carl and Lillian Bjork on
September 15, 1934, in Wisconsin; after enlisting in the United States
Air Force on November 13, 1952, she completed her basic training at Fort
Warren Air Force Base, located in Wyoming, and was stationed at Hancock
Air Base in Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, Doris A. Bjork proudly served her country as a
communication specialist/ teletype operator, where she once intercepted
a call that lead to an investigation and commendation for catching a
spy; and

WHEREAS, In addition to this accolade, Doris A. Bjork was awarded
the National Defense Service Medal; she was discharged on October 5,
1955, with the revered rank of Airman 1st Class; and

WHEREAS, After meeting at Hancock Air Base, Dr. John F. Principe and
the former Doris A. Bjork married in September of 1955, and together,
they raised seven children; and

WHEREAS, Doris A. Principe was a homemaker who devoted herself to
making a loving home for her family; she also enjoyed taking care of the
people who lived in her neighborhood, making sure everyone had a safe
place to sleep and all children were given nutritious meals; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John F. Principe died on January 15, 2010, at the age
of 81; and

WHEREAS, Doris A. Principe died on July 22, 2019, at the age of 84;
and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
Dr. John F. Principe and Doris A. Principe demonstrated their love for
their country and merit forevermore the highest respect of their 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 Dr. John F. Principe and Doris A. Principe posthumously upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients 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 Dr. John F. Principe and Doris A. Principe.