Senate Resolution No. 4368

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Earl W. Coons posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased Veteran
Ceremony on April 9, 2018

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
Earl W. Coons posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased Veteran
Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, April 9, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Born to the late Mary Louise (Salisbury) and Earl Coons on
September 25, 1914, in Troy, New York, Earl W. Coons attended Haskell
School and Troy Public High School; after graduating, he worked as a bus
driver for General Electric; and

WHEREAS, On February 16, 1941, Earl W. Coons married his second
wife, the former Margaret Davis; prior to enlisting in the service, he
worked as a bus driver; and

WHEREAS, Earl W. Coons served his country as a member of the United
States Army as an Aerial Engineer Gunner 748 during World War II; upon
the completion of his military service in 1945, he had attained the rank
of Technical Sergeant, and served in the New York National Guard for
over three years; and

WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Earl W. Coons was the
recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Good Conduct
Medal, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying
Cross, and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Earl W. Coons was a self-employed
contractor working in the Troy area; in 1979, he officially retired from
this role; devoted to his fellow man and woman, he was a vital member of
the Troy Lodge of Elks No. 141 and Lansingburgh Order of the Odd
Fellows; and

WHEREAS, Earl W. Coons died on February 6, 1989, at the age of 75;
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 Earl W. Coons posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor-A-Deceased
Veteran Ceremony on April 9, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Earl W. Coons.