Senate Resolution No. 5469

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas E.
Hendry, Jr. 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
Rensselaer County Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on September 10,
2018; 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, Born on August 31, 1923, to Thomas and Bessie Kerr Hendry,
Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. graduated from Troy High School; and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. joined the United States Army on
August 7, 1943, and arrived in the European Theater of Action on March
1, 1944; and

WHEREAS, A rifleman and mortar gunner, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was
promoted to Corporal and served with the 3rd Army, 15th Cavalry Recon
Squad in the EAME Theater where he was in charge of a mortar crew of
three enlisted men; he and his men provided fire power for cavalry and
infantry units; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this brave soldier aided in the capture of
enemy positions and personnel, and was wounded in the Battle of Brest,
France on August 23, 1944; he was discharged on September 10, 1947; and

WHEREAS, For his valiant military service, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was
awarded many ribbons and citations, including the Bronze Battle Star,
the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon, and a Purple Heart;
and

WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Springfield College; he
married the former Helen L. Filkin on May 1, 1953, in Troy, New York,
and together they raised three children; and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. spent his illustrious career at the
Rensselear County Department of Social Services, where he served as a
social worker and deputy commissioner for 37 years, retiring in the
spring of 1989; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. was active in youth coaching with
Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball and basketball; he was also a member
of the Disabled American Veterans; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Troy, New York, Thomas E. Hendry,
Jr. was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church, and a
chairman of its trustees for the past two decades; and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. died on December 14, 1992, at the age
of 69; he is survived by his wife, Helen; a son, Thomas; two daughters,
Carol and Sara; and seven grandchildren, Gillian, Shane, Rachel, Sara
Jane, Mary, Stephen and Thomas; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 Thomas E. Hendry, Jr. 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 Thomas E. Hendry, Jr.