Senate Resolution No. 1422

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING David E. McDonald 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 esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend David E.
McDonald 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 celebrated at the Honor our Deceased
Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at the County Building
on 40 McMaster Street in Ballston Spa, New York; 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 March 9, 1947, to Warren and Ruth McDonald, David
McDonald graduated from Draper High School in 1965 and in 1966, married
his life partner Shirleyan Shaken; and

WHEREAS, Entering the United States Army on August 2, 1966, David
McDonald served as a Field Artilleryman with 2nd Battalion, 10th
Composite Artillery Battalion, and 197th Infantry Regiment at Ft.
Benning, Georgia, where he trained on 105- and 155-mm Howitzers, as well
as "Honest John" rockets; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Cold War, David
McDonald was awarded the National Defense Service medal and the Expert
Rifle Badge; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on August 1,
1968, David McDonald started work for Sheet Metal Workers No. 83 as a
superintendent, through MCD Mechanical; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, David McDonald was a member of the
American Legion Post 234 in Ballston Spa, New York and served
unwaveringly as Commander for seven years; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to supporting and advocating for veterans, David
McDonald, during his time as Post Commander, played an integral role in
the Saratoga County Honor Deceased Veterans program; and

WHEREAS, An individual with many passions, David McDonald served as
the President of the Burnt Hills Softball Club, was a lifetime member of
the Gooley Club, and for 45 years pursued outdoor sports; showing
exemplary conduct in outdoor sports, he served as the New York State

Skeet Shooting Association President, and is honored in the New York
State Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, David McDonald died on October 24, 2022, at the age of 76
years old; 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,
David McDonald 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 David E. McDonald 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 David E. McDonald.