LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Arthur A. Eppler posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by Columbia County
at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony on June 27, 2016

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; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Arthur A. Eppler posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Columbia County at its Honor A Veteran Ceremony
on Monday, June 27, 2016, in Hudson, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Columbia County Honor-A-Veteran Committee was formed to
honor a deceased Columbia County veteran, who has served his country in
time of conflict; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous and dedicated service to his country,
Arthur A. Eppler will be recognized at this year's June Honor A Veteran
Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Arthur A. Eppler, who died on November 21, 2001, at the age
of 78, served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the
United States Air Force during the Second World War; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 10, 1923, in Yonkers, New York, to Arthur J. and
Anna K. Eppler, Arthur A. Eppler graduated from Saunders Trade School on
June 24, 1941, and went to work as a machine operator for Jenkins Broth-
ers in Bridgeport, Connecticut; he met and married Elizabeth Emily Giov-
anna at St. Mary's on August 15, 1942; and
WHEREAS, On February 21, 1943, Arthur A. Eppler entered the Army
Aviation Cadets in New York City; during this time, he learned to fly
twin engine airplanes and successfully completed basic training; he went
on to finish Elementary Flying and Ground School on December 4, 1943;
and
WHEREAS, After three months of Co-Pilot training (C-46) at Reno, Neva-
da, followed by nine months of training as a pilot for twin engines at
Freeman Field, Indiana, 1st Lieutenant Arthur A. Eppler was assigned to
the 1344th Army Air Force based United in the Far East on May 23, 1944;
and
WHEREAS, With a brief stop in India, 1st Lieutenant Arthur A. Eppler
flew on to China where he spent the next several months flying resupply
missions in the twin engine C-46 cargo plane; his unit was a part of the
India-China Division/Air Transport Command located in Hsinching, China;
and
WHEREAS, For his valiant service, 1st Lieutenant Arthur A. Eppler
received the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, American Campaign Medal and
the World War II Victory Medal; and
WHEREAS, Arthur A. Eppler married his second wife, Jennie Louise DiGi-
oia on April 13, 1956, in New Mexico; he spent his career working in
several capacities including as a machine operator, in sales, and self-
employed at JenArt Ceramics; and
WHEREAS, Active within his community, Arthur A. Eppler was a Little
League coach and Boy Scoutmaster for Troop 581; he was also a life
member of VFW National Home, American Legion, and Sunrise Bible Fellow-
ship; and

WHEREAS, Arthur A. Eppler is survived by his three children, Anna,
John and Arthur J.; as well as three grandchildren and one great-grand-
child; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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 Arthur A. Eppler posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Columbia County at its Honor A Veteran Cere-
mony on June 27, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Arthur A. Eppler.