Senate Resolution No. 2360

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Charles F. Wanits 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 Charles F.
Wanits 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; this momentous occasion will be celebrated at the
Saratoga County Honor Our Deceased Veterans Ceremony to be held on
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Saratoga County Building in Ballston Spa,
New York; and 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 F. Wanits was born on December 16, 1952, in
Rockville Centre, New York, to Frank and Alice Wanits; during his youth,
his family relocated to Schroon Lake, New York, where he attended
Schroon Lake High School and developed the values of hard work,
integrity, and service that would guide him throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Answering the call of duty, Charles F. Wanits enlisted in
the United States Air Force on September 14, 1971, and trained as a
Weapons Mechanic; and

WHEREAS, During his honorable military service, Charles F. Wanits
served at air bases in Thailand in support of operations during the
Vietnam War and was later assigned to the 81st Munitions Maintenance
Squadron in England; he concluded his military service at McGuire Air
Force Base in New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, On July 6, 1975, Charles F. Wanits was honorably discharged
from the United States Air Force with the rank of Sergeant, having
faithfully served his nation with distinction and professionalism; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his dedicated military service, Sergeant
Charles F. Wanits was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the
Air Force Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Following his military service, Charles F. Wanits continued
to contribute to the security and defense of the Nation through his
employment as a Quality Control Specialist at the Watervliet Arsenal,
where he served with distinction until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Demonstrating remarkable ingenuity and technical expertise,
Charles F. Wanits was credited in 1994 with the invention of the Bore
Obstruction Detection Indicator, a device positioned on the muzzle end
of a gun bore to indicate whether the bore is free from obstruction
after a round has been loaded, enhancing safety and operational
readiness; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, Charles F. Wanits married the love of his life,
Lisa, and together they raised their daughter, Lyndsey; he was a devoted
husband and father who cherished time with his family; and

WHEREAS, Charles F. Wanits found great enjoyment in fishing and was
an enthusiastic fan of football and NASCAR, pursuits that reflected his
appreciation for camaraderie, competition, and the outdoors; and

WHEREAS, A resident of the Town of Milton, Charles F. Wanits earned
the admiration and respect of all who knew him through his quiet
dedication, strong work ethic, and steadfast commitment to both country
and community; and

WHEREAS, Charles F. Wanits passed away on July 2, 2023, leaving
behind a legacy of honorable military service, professional
accomplishment, innovation, and devotion to family; 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 to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Charles F. Wanits 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 F. Wanits posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the New York State Senate 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 F. Wanits.