LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Patrick Whalen 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 incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
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 honor Richard
Patrick Whalen posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate, to be presented at this year's July
Rensselaer County Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony; 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, Moreover, for his courageous and dedicated service to his
country, Richard Patrick Whalen will be recognized at the July of 2015
Rensselaer County Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, A member of the 320th Field Maintenance Squadron, Richard
Patrick Whalen was awarded the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship
Ribbon SO G-48, 305th Air Refueling Squadron, and an Air Force Good
Conduct Medal SO G-47, 320th Bombardment Wing; and
WHEREAS, Richard Patrick Whalen was employed at Zak Incorporated,
Troy, New York, and retired from Flomatic Valve Company, North Hoosick,
New York; and
WHEREAS, At the time of his death, Richard Patrick Whalen served as
Judge for the Town of Hoosick, a title he held for many years; in addi-
tion, he was the assessor for the Village of Hoosick Falls, New York, a
member of the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation Board of Directors,
and participated in the Kiwanis Club in Hoosick Falls; and
WHEREAS, Richard Patrick Whalen enjoyed playing golf, and was a member
of several organizations including Kiwanis Club, American Legion, and
the local VFW; and
WHEREAS, Richard Patrick Whalen served his country with honor and
distinction from June 29, 1962 through June 28, 1966, as a member of the
United States Air Force; he died in 2015, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Marie Whalen, and one
sister-in-law, Elaine Henry, Richard Patrick Whalen was the loving
husband of his wife, Joyce, the devoted father of his son, Kevin, and
the beloved brother-in-law of one sister-in-law, Kay (Jack) Powers, and
two brothers-in-law, John (Irene) McCarty, and Bill (Dayle) McCarty; and
the cherished uncle of eight nieces and nephews, Kelly, Matt, Cindy,
Diane, Rosemary, Owen, Taylor, and Travis; as well as the life-long
friend of Gail and Don Morin, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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,
Richard Patrick Whalen 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
honor Richard Patrick Whalen 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 tran-
smitted to the family of Richard Patrick Whalen.