Senate Resolution No. 1287
BY: Senator HINCHEY
COMMENDING Willie "Mack" Jackson 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, 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 commend Willie
"Mack" Jackson 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 celebrated on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at
the Historic Catskill Point Warehouse in Catskill, New York; 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, A resident of Catskill, New York for over 82 years, Willie
"Mack" Jackson was born on February 1, 1940, in Warrenton, Georgia, and
raised in Catskill, where he attended Irving Elementary School and
graduated from Catskill High School in June 1958; and
WHEREAS, Answering the call of duty, Willie Jackson proudly served
in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962 during the Vietnam Era,
achieving the rank of Private First Class (PFC); he served in the 4th
Infantry Division (4th ID) as a Communications Specialist (MOS 31)
stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, and later deployed to the Fulda Gap
region of Germany in defense of Europe during a time of heightened
international tension; and
WHEREAS, For his honorable and distinguished military service,
Willie Jackson was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Overseas
Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) for his support
of U.S. operations assisting friendly foreign nations; and
WHEREAS, Following his military service, Willie Jackson returned
home to Catskill and embarked on a civilian career with the Ravena
Cement Plant, where he worked diligently for 34 years until his
retirement; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his professional life, Willie Jackson dedicated over
40 years to community service, most notably as a youth mentor and Sports
Program Manager at the Catskill Boys Club, where he inspired and shaped
the lives of countless young people; and
WHEREAS, For 26 years, he selflessly served as a Little League
Umpire Coach at Elliot Park, a role through which he fostered
sportsmanship, discipline, and character in generations of Catskill
youth; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his unparalleled commitment and enduring
impact, the Town of Catskill and the surrounding Greene County community
honored Willie Jackson by renaming the local baseball field in his name,
a lasting tribute to a lifetime of service; and
WHEREAS, Willie Jackson is a lifetime member of the Sullivan Theater
VFW Post 470, continuing his unwavering support for fellow veterans and
upholding the values of patriotism and public service; and
WHEREAS, Through his service in uniform and his steadfast dedication
to his community, Willie "Mack" Jackson exemplifies the very best of the
American spirit, and his life serves as an enduring inspiration to all
who know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Willie "Mack" Jackson upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, and to extend to
him its sincere gratitude and appreciation for his extraordinary service
to his country and community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mr. Willie "Mack" Jackson.
