Senate Resolution No. 2183
BY: Senator TEDISCO
COMMENDING Paul B. Struys, 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, 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 Paul B.
Struys, 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
Schenectady County Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Saturday,
September 14, 2019; 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, Paul B. Struys, Jr. was born to Bettye Jayne (Noonan) and
Paul B. Struys, Sr. on March 21, 1967; after graduating from Linton High
School, he entered the Army National Guard, HQ 151 Battalion, 210th
Armor - 1st Army; on December 3, 1990, he was activated and proudly
served his country supporting Desert Shield/Desert Storm; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service during these operations, Paul B.
Struys, Jr. was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest
Asia Service Medal with a Bronze Star device, and both the Army
Achievement and Commendation Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on July 22,
1991, with the rank of Sergeant, Paul B. Struys, Jr. returned to New
York, and worked for the local YMCA, Price Chopper and the Charlton
Highway Department; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his fellow veterans, he was a vital member of
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 358 and Rolling Thunder, New York Chapter
No. 5; and
WHEREAS, Paul B. Struys, Jr. truly loved life and had the uncanny
ability to make everyone laugh; he enjoyed spending time with his
longtime partner, Christine Wojtowecz, and his two sons, Jonpaul and
Joseph A. Struys, and took great pleasure in working on both the farm
and his motorcycles; and
WHEREAS, Paul B. Struys, Jr. died on November 14, 2008, at the age
of 41; 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,
Paul B. Struys, 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
commend Paul B. Struys, 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 Paul B. Struys, Jr.
