Senate Resolution No. 986

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING James Trainor 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 James
Trainor 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 by the Saratoga County
Honor-A-Veteran Program on March 21, 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, James Trainor was born on January 24, 1933, in Staten
Island, New York, to Joseph and Anna (Conklin) Trainor; during World War
II, he and his family moved to Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, A third generation American of Irish descent, James Trainor
was a hard worker who sold fruit and vegetables from a pushcart, and was
employed in the mailroom of General Motors in Manhattan while attending
school; he was the first member of his family to finish high school; and

WHEREAS, After proudly graduating from Franklin K. Laine High School
in 1951, James Trainor earned his associate degree in accounting from
Brooklyn College; and

WHEREAS, James Trainor entered the United States Air Force on
October 18, 1951, after his best friend Jimmy Anastasio was drafted; he
proudly served his country as a member of the Military Police/Air Police
with the 14th Air Base Squadron before serving in the Korean War where
he was the Patrol Dog Handler of Bullet, a sentry dog; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the war, James Trainor
was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, the
United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the
Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge on October 18, 1955, with the esteemed
rank of Airman 1st Class, James Trainor had a long career at GMAC; after
42 years of distinguished service, he officially retired as Director of
International Operations in Detroit, Michigan, in 1992; and


WHEREAS, A sport enthusiast, James Trainor coached numerous teams in
the Clifton Park Baseball League and the Babe Ruth World Series; one of
his players became a NBA star, and another, a MLB great; and

WHEREAS, James Trainor was dedicated to serving his fellow veterans
as a participant of both the VFW and the American Legion Post 1450; he
was also a communicant of St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton
Park, New York; and

WHEREAS, James Trainor died on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the age
of 83; predeceased by his sister, Catherine (Albert), and his two
brothers, Joseph and Richard Trainor, he is survived by his wife of 60
years, Janet Trainor; two daughters, Kathleen Trainor and Maureen (Paul)
Trainor; two sons, James P. (Eileen) Trainor and Timothy (Donna)
Trainor; seven grandchildren, Colleen (Nick), Cory, Brian, Daniel,
Kathryn, Zachary and Jennifer; and one sister-in-law, Sarah Trainor; as
well as several nieces and nephews; 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,
James Trainor demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forever-more, 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 James Trainor 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 James Trainor.