Senate Resolution No. 2384
BY: Senator TEDISCO
HONORING Brigadier General Barry Hartman 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 Brigadier
General Barry Hartman 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
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 decorated Vietnam veteran and distinguished battlefield
commander, Brigadier General Barry Hartman devoted nearly half a century
of his life to military service, demonstrating extraordinary leadership,
valor, and dedication to his country; and
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Barry Hartman has been named the 2026
Veteran of the Year by the Friends of The New York State Military Museum
and the Uncle Sam Chapter of the Association of the United States Army;
he will receive the prestigious award during a ceremony being held on
Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the New York State Military Museum and
Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Brigadier
General Barry Hartman began his military career in 1958 as an enlisted
soldier, subsequently graduating from the United States Military Academy
at West Point in 1964, whereupon he received his commission as a second
lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, Following his commissioning, Brigadier General Barry
Hartman was first stationed in West Germany, where he served in and
commanded tank and armored cavalry units during two tours of duty from
1964 to 1966; and
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Barry Hartman served two combat tours in
Vietnam, the first from 1967 to 1968 with the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry
Regiment, as a troop commander and air operations officer in the Central
Highlands, and the second from 1972 to 1973 as operations officer and
tactical operations center director for the First Regional Assistance
Command in Hue and Danang; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding leadership and valor in
combat, Brigadier General Barry Hartman received numerous military
decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with "V"
device, Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Air Medal awards, Army
Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam
Gallantry Cross; and
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Barry Hartman retired from the United
States Army in 1992 after 31 years of service, having devoted more than
three decades of his life to active-duty military service; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating an enduring commitment to military service,
Brigadier General Barry Hartman continued his distinguished career in
the New York Guard, a state volunteer force which augments and supports
the New York National Guard, for another 14 years; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure in the New York Guard, Brigadier General
Barry Hartman held several key leadership positions, including commander
of the 10th Brigade, deputy commander for operations, and commander of
the Army Division; and
WHEREAS, Promoted to the rank of brigadier general in 1995,
Brigadier General Barry Hartman subsequently served as deputy commander
of the New York Guard before retiring in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Including his four years as a cadet at the United States
Military Academy at West Point, Brigadier General Barry Hartman
dedicated a remarkable total of 49 years in uniform in service to his
country; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his distinguished military career, Brigadier General
Barry Hartman continues to demonstrate his commitment to preserving and
honoring New York's military heritage as a member of the Board of
Trustees and secretary of the Friends of the New York State Military
Museum; and
WHEREAS, The Friends of the New York State Military Museum, formed
in 1991, is dedicated to preserving, expanding, and interpreting New
York State's military history collection maintained by the New York
State Military Museum, supporting the ongoing development and operation
of this important institution; and
WHEREAS, The designation of Brigadier General Barry Hartman as the
2026 Veteran of the Year stands as a fitting tribute to a lifetime of
exemplary military service, distinguished leadership, and continued
dedication to honoring the sacrifices and achievements of those who have
served our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Brigadier General Barry Hartman resides in Clifton Park,
Saratoga County, with his wife, Bridget, and is the proud father of two
sons, Christopher and Alexander, is a grandfather of five, and a
great-grandfather of one; 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 risked and 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,
Brigadier General Barry Hartman demonstrated his love for his country
and merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Brigadier General Barry Hartman 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 Brigadier General Barry Hartman.
