Senate Resolution No. 2383
BY: Senator TEDISCO
COMMENDING Dennis W. Spilman 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, 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 Dennis W.
Spilman 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 at the Honor our Deceased Veterans
Ceremony that will be held at the County Building in Ballston Spa, New
York on Tuesday, November 17, 2026; 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, Dennis W. Spilman was born on May 26, 1947, in Baltimore,
Maryland to Wayland and Anne Spilman; he graduated from Baltimore
Polytechnic Institute, and attended the University of Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Dennis W. Spilman entered into the US Air Force on March
30, 1966, where he trained at the Homestead Air Force Base Technical
School as a Jet Engine Mechanic; and
WHEREAS, After being assigned to the 380th Field Maintenance
Squadron, Dennis W. Spilman was deployed to Taiwan, the Philippines, and
Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam following aircraft across the theatre of
operations to maintain and ensure immediate operational readiness at
forward operating sites; and
WHEREAS, After the completion of his military service on January 27,
1970, Dennis W. Spilman settled in Saratoga Springs in 1979, where he
opened and operated Superior Automotive in 1982; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated member of his community, Dennis W. Spilman
devoted his time to the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, the
United Methodist Men, and the Skye Farm Camp where he spent many
Memorial Day weekends camping with his family, a tradition that lasted
40 years; and
WHEREAS, An avid sportsman, Dennis W. Spilman also enjoyed playing
golf, volleyball, camping and canoeing; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Dennis W. Spilman was awarded
the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air
Force Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 76, Dennis W. Spilman died on June 1, 2023;
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,
Dennis W. Spilman 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
commend Dennis W. Spilman 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 Dennis W. Spilman.
