Senate Resolution No. 1046

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Thomas W. Vandish 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 Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Thomas W.
Vandish 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, Thomas W. Vandish is being honored by the Saratoga County
Honor a Veteran Committee during its "Honor our Deceased Veterans
Ceremony" on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Ballston Spa, New York; and

WHEREAS, Thomas W. Vandish was born on April 2, 1928, in Syracuse,
New York, to parents Warren and Martha; and

WHEREAS, Thomas W. Vandish entered the United States Army on
September 10, 1942; and

WHEREAS, In the United States Army, Thomas W. Vandish was stationed
in New Guinea and the Philippines as a morse code operator, and on
December 19, 1945, he was discharged at the rank of staff sergeant; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service in New Guinea and the
Philippines, Thomas W. Vandish earned the respect and admiration of
those he served alongside; and

WHEREAS, After leaving the United States Army, Thomas W. Vandish
moved to Malta, New York, in 1954, and he worked as a salesman and
manager of Steel and Aluminum Distributor for Brace Mueller Huntly Inc.,
from 1946 to 1979; he then worked for Van Patten Golf Course from 1980
to 1993; and

WHEREAS, Thomas W. Vandish was committed to serving his local
community, and he did so as a former cub master for the Malta Cub Scout
Pack, a volunteer fireman for the Malta Ridge Fire Company, and a member
and past Commander of the VFW Post 358; and

WHEREAS, In his personal time, Thomas W. Vandish enjoyed the
outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, and spending time with his
wife, Laura, and their two daughters and two sons; and

WHEREAS, Thomas W. Vandish died on July 1, 2004, at the age of 76;
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 risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Thomas W. Vandish 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 Thomas W. Vandish 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 Thomas W. Vandish.