Senate Resolution No. 618

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Charles R. Vogel 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 Charles R.
Vogel 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 Columbia County Honor a
Veteran Ceremony on Monday, April 24, 2023; 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, Charles Richard Vogel, affectionately known to many as Rip,
was born on July 9, 1926, to Charles F. and Lillian (Stinton) Vogel in
Albany, New York; he grew up in nearby Chatham, New York, where he
attended high school before leaving to enlist in the United States Navy
in July of 1943; and

WHEREAS, Charles R. Vogel completed basic training at the naval
training center located in Great Lakes, Illinois; he was then stationed
at both Corpus Christi, Texas, and San Bruno, California, before he
served with the Seabees in the Pacific Theater of Operation during World
War II; and

WHEREAS, Seaman First Class Charles R. Vogel was assigned to the
USNATS Squadron 14-B his unit constructed airstrips on the islands of
Leyte and Samar, Philippines, where, due to the harsh tropical
conditions, he received treatment for a serious skin condition that
required hospitalization and resulted in a service-related disability;
and

WHEREAS, Upon his discharge on April 23, 1946, Seaman First Class
Charles R. Vogel was awarded the American Campaign Medal,
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Philippines
Liberation Ribbon for his courageous service; and

WHEREAS, Charles R. Vogel returned to his hometown and graduated
from high school in 1947; in this same year, he married the former
Elaine Keating and together, they raised their three children, Gary,
Gail and Gay in Stottville, New York; and

WHEREAS, For 40 years, Charles R. Vogel worked as a telephone
lineman and office planner for Taconic Telephone Co.; and

WHEREAS, Aside from his work and family, Charles R. Vogel was active
in local sports and his community; he played on an American Legion
Baseball team, managed a softball team from Chatham and Philmont, and in
1979, he was inducted into the Columbia Basketball County Hall of Fame;
and

WHEREAS, Charles R. Vogel was also a member of the Chatham American
Legion Post 42, Chatham Fire Department and a life member of the Saint
Luke's Episcopal Church of Chatham; and

WHEREAS, Above all, Charles R. Vogel enjoyed spending time with his
family, especially his eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren;
and

WHEREAS, Charles R. Vogel died on September 26, 2000, at the age of
74, and is interred in the Chatham Rural Cemetery; 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,
Charles R. Vogel 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 Charles R. Vogel 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 Charles R. Vogel.