Senate Resolution No. 2425

BY: Senator SKOUFIS

COMMENDING Terry Alan Anderson 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 Terry Alan
Anderson 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, Terry Alan Anderson, of Greenwood Lake, New York, was born
to Glen and Lily Anderson on October 27, 1947; after graduating from
high school, he declined a scholarship to the University of Michigan,
enlisting in the United States Marine Corps where he had attained the
rank of Staff Sergeant and served as a combat journalist during two
terms in the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, After his return home, Terry Alan Anderson graduated with
degrees in journalism and political science from Iowa State University;
starting a career with the Associated Press, he reported from vastly
different places, such as Kentucky, Japan, and South Africa, prior to
his arrival in Lebanon, during wartime chaos, in 1982; on March 16,
1985, he was kidnapped by militants of the Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah
in Beirut in response to the involvement of the United States in the
Lebanese Civil War; and

WHEREAS, One of several Westerners who were abducted, Terry Alan
Anderson sacrificed tremendously for six and a half years and was the
longest-held American hostage during the conflict; as the Chief Middle
East Correspondent for the Associated Press, he spent several years
reporting on the upheaval and violence in Lebanon as the country fought
against Israel; and

WHEREAS, Though he endured much hardship, the brave journalist
maintained his quick wit and resolve, demanded better treatment from his
captors, and taught his fellow hostages sign language to communicate
privately; and

WHEREAS, Finally, in December of 1991, Terry Alan Anderson was
released to return home to the United States; he taught journalism and
supported numerous charitable causes, including the Vietnam Children's
Fund, which has built over 50 schools in Vietnam, and the Father

Lawrence Jenco Foundation, supporting individuals who do charity work in
Appalachian communities; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, Terry Alan Anderson sat on the Board of
Directors of the Rumshock Veterans Foundation, a local Orange County
organization working to create a supportive and collaborative community
for veterans in Port Jervis, New York; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Terry Alan Anderson gave public
speeches, taught journalism at several prominent universities and
operated a blues bar, Cajun restaurant, horse ranch, and gourmet
restaurant; and

WHEREAS, Terry Alan Anderson died on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the
age of 76, in Greenwood Lake, New York; and

WHEREAS, Terry Alan Anderson is survived by his daughters, Sulome
and Gabrielle Anderson; a sister, Judy Anderson; and a brother, Jack
Anderson; he was predeceased by his sister, Peggy Say; 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 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,
Terry Alan Anderson 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 Terry Alan Anderson 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 Terry Alan Anderson.