Senate Resolution No. 1957

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Philip Arsenault, Jr. 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of the State of New York whose lives
of service and sacrifice have contributed immeasurably to the strength
and character of their communities, their State, and their Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Philip Arsenault, Jr. 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
Columbia County Honor a Veteran ceremony on Monday, April 27, 2026; 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, Philip Arsenault, Jr. was born on February 19, 1945, in
Clinton Corners, New York, to Philip Arsenault and Gladys Ackert
Arsenault; he was raised in Rhinebeck, New York, where he was
affectionately known to family and friends as "Butch"; and

WHEREAS, Answering the call of his country, Philip Arsenault, Jr.
was drafted into the United States Army on February 14, 1966, at Albany,
New York; following completion of basic training, he attained the rank
of Specialist 4 and received advanced training as a Light Wheel Vehicle
Mechanic (MOS 63B20), a vital role responsible for maintaining and
repairing wheeled military vehicles to ensure operational readiness; and

WHEREAS, Specialist 4 Philip Arsenault, Jr. was assigned to the
554th Engineer Battalion, which departed Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1967
and deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, where it was primarily based at
Cu Chi from 1967 to 1969, with additional elements stationed at Phu Loi
and other locations as needed; and

WHEREAS, During his service in Southeast Asia, Specialist 4 Philip
Arsenault, Jr. faithfully executed his duties under challenging and
dangerous conditions, contributing to the mission readiness of his unit
during a time of conflict in the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, After completing 10 months and 10 days of honorable
overseas service, Specialist 4 Philip Arsenault, Jr. returned to the
United States and was honorably discharged on February 6, 1968, in
Oakland, California; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service, Specialist 4
Philip Arsenault, Jr. was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal with

Device, the Vietnam Service Medal with Device, the National Defense
Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Sharpshooter Medal; and

WHEREAS, Philip Arsenault, Jr. married the love of his life, Gloria
Flint, on February 11, 1966, in Pine Plains, New York; together they
built a devoted family and raised five children: Brian, Brenda,
Michelle, Tina, and Tammy; and

WHEREAS, A hardworking and dedicated member of his community, Philip
Arsenault, Jr. was employed as a truck driver for the Town of Milan
Highway Department, where he served with diligence and pride; and

WHEREAS, Philip Arsenault, Jr. died on January 14, 2026, while
residing in Elizaville, New York, at the age of 80; he was predeceased
by his beloved wife, Gloria, his son Brian, and his son-in-law Thomas
Jahoda; and

WHEREAS, He is survived by his loving daughters, Brenda Jahoda,
Michelle Jennings, Tina Lyons, and Tammy Lyons, as well as 12 cherished
grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom continue to honor
his legacy of service, strength, and devotion to family; and

WHEREAS, Philip Arsenault, Jr. was laid to rest in Germantown, New
York, leaving behind a legacy defined by honor, sacrifice, and
unwavering commitment to his country and community; and

WHEREAS, The courage, dedication, and integrity demonstrated by
Philip Arsenault, Jr. throughout his life and military service epitomize
the highest ideals of citizenship and patriotism, reflecting great
credit upon himself, his family, and the State of New York; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Philip Arsenault, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, and to honor his
distinguished life of service to his Nation and community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Philip Arsenault, Jr.