Senate Resolution No. 177

BY: Senator TEDISCO

        COMMENDING  John  E.  Hughes 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 John E.
Hughes 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 celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor Our
Deceased Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, December 20, 2022; 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, Born on April 4, 1945 in Corinth, New York to  William  and
Doris  Hughes,  John  E. Hughes attended Hadley-Luzerne schools where he
was active in sports and band, graduating in 1964; and

  WHEREAS, John E. Hughes entered the United States Army on  June  13,
1966;  he  proudly  served  with  Company C, 124th Signal Battalion, 4th
Infantry Division and spent 13 months in Vietnam  as  a  Radio  Teletype
Operator; and

  WHEREAS,  While  stationed  in the Central Highlands, John E. Hughes
assisted with transporting soldiers and supplies to and  from  firebases
from his main camp; he also participated in Reaction Force Patrols which
led  to  his designation as recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for
Heroism while saving a fellow soldiers life against a hostile  force  in
the Republic of Vietnam; and

  WHEREAS,  In  addition  to this most auspicious recognition, John E.
Hughes was also awarded the  National  Defense  Service  Medal,  Vietnam
Service  Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V"
Device, 2 Over-Sea Bars, and the Army Sharp Shooter with Rifle clasp for
his courageous service during the Vietnam War; and

  WHEREAS, John E. Hughes was honorably  discharged  at  the  rank  of
Sergeant  on  June 13, 1966; upon the completion of his valiant military
service, John was employed through Finch Prime & Co. for nearly 30 years
as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in the mid 90s; and

  WHEREAS,  With  a  steadfast  and  unwavering  commitment   to   his
community,  John E. Hughes served as Assessor for the Town of Hadley for
16 years, and was an active member of the  William  J.  Varney  American
Legion Post No. 862, VFW Post No. 5836, the Vietnam Veterans of America,
and the Tri-Town Seniors; and


  WHEREAS,  Furthermore,  John  E. Hughes was passionate about sports,
and spent many years in HLSD Little League as a Coach, Purchasing  Agent
and President; he also loved to travel, the outdoors and nature; and

  WHEREAS,  John  E.  Hughes  married the love of his life on April 4,
1970, and together they raised their three wonderful children;  he  died
on February 15, 2017, at the age of 71; 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  have  risked
their lives for their beloved Nation; and

  WHEREAS,  Having  exhibited  his patriotism both at home and abroad,
John E.  Hughes  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 John E. Hughes 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 John E. Hughes.