Senate Resolution No. 1045

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Bruce Hotaling, Sr. 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
significant 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 Bruce
Hotaling, Sr. 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 presented at the Columbia
County Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Monday, March 27, 2017; 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, Bruce Hotaling, Sr. was born October 29, 1949, to William
and Mary Hotaling, in Hudson, New York; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 19, Bruce Hotaling, Sr. was drafted into the
United States Army; after finishing basic training at Fort Dix, New
Jersey, he went on to complete training as a light infantryman in
Washington State, qualifying him as an expert with the M16 Rifle; and

WHEREAS, Specialist 4 Bruce Hotaling, Sr. was assigned overseas duty
with Company D, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade in
the Republic of Vietnam; after 10 months of active combat, he became ill
and was honorably discharged on January 14, 1971, transferring to the
United States Reserves until June 4, 1975; and

WHEREAS, Upon leaving the United States military, Bruce Hotaling,
Sr. worked as an assembler for L&B Products and a molder for Kaz, Inc.
in Hudson; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Hotaling, Sr. died on October 13, 2015, at the age of
66; he is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary Doty; his son, Bruce,
Jr., and 11 grandchildren, as well as six great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Bruce
Hotaling, Sr. was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry
Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the National
Defense Service Medal; 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,
Bruce Hotaling, Sr. 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 Bruce Hotaling, Sr. 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 Bruce Hotaling, Sr.