Senate Resolution No. 2383

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Dennis W. Spilman 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 Dennis W.
Spilman 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 Honor our Deceased Veterans
Ceremony that will be held at the County Building in Ballston Spa, New
York on Tuesday, November 17, 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, Dennis W. Spilman was born on May 26, 1947, in Baltimore,
Maryland to Wayland and Anne Spilman; he graduated from Baltimore
Polytechnic Institute, and attended the University of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Dennis W. Spilman entered into the US Air Force on March
30, 1966, where he trained at the Homestead Air Force Base Technical
School as a Jet Engine Mechanic; and

WHEREAS, After being assigned to the 380th Field Maintenance
Squadron, Dennis W. Spilman was deployed to Taiwan, the Philippines, and
Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam following aircraft across the theatre of
operations to maintain and ensure immediate operational readiness at
forward operating sites; and

WHEREAS, After the completion of his military service on January 27,
1970, Dennis W. Spilman settled in Saratoga Springs in 1979, where he
opened and operated Superior Automotive in 1982; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated member of his community, Dennis W. Spilman
devoted his time to the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, the
United Methodist Men, and the Skye Farm Camp where he spent many
Memorial Day weekends camping with his family, a tradition that lasted
40 years; and

WHEREAS, An avid sportsman, Dennis W. Spilman also enjoyed playing
golf, volleyball, camping and canoeing; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Dennis W. Spilman was awarded
the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air
Force Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal; and


WHEREAS, At the age of 76, Dennis W. Spilman died on June 1, 2023;
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,
Dennis W. Spilman 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 Dennis W. Spilman 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 Dennis W. Spilman.