Senate Resolution No. 1414

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Alois A. Matousek 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 Alois A.
Matousek 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 Honor our Deceased
Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 in Ballston Spa, 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, Born on January 27, 1930, Alois A. Matousek was raised in
Schenectady, New York by his parents, Louis and Lillian Matousek; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Mount Pleasant High School in 1947,
Alois A. Matousek met and married the love of his life, Arline Strong,
and worked for the Schenectady Varnish Company; and

WHEREAS, Entering the United States Army on January 15, 1953, Alois
A. Matousek was a member of the Company B, 3rd Armored Cavalry
Regiment; stationed at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada, he took part in the
atomic maneuvers held there; and

WHEREAS, Courageously serving his country to prevent disaster, Alois
A. Matousek's unit was tasked with participation onsite in a test
involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device; this involved
enduring an atomic blast from a distance and conducting maneuvers into
"Ground Zero" of the blast area after the detonation; and

WHEREAS, After becoming exposed to radiation, Alois A. Matousek
would later endure Lymphoma; along with his fellow soldiers, he was
covered under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, legislation which
served as an example to future exposure related benefits for Veterans
and families; and

WHEREAS, As a testament to his valiant service, Alois A. Matousek
was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct
Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon his honorable discharge from the rank of Corporal on
January 14, 1955, Alois A. Matousek then went on to serve 8 years in the
New York National Guard; and


WHEREAS, Continuing his devoted work ethic, Alois A. Matousek
returned to the Schenectady Varnish Company and retired after 44 years
as the Manager of Safety, Security, and Fire protection for all the
plants; he served as the Town of Edinburg Town Assessor for 29 years, as
well as the Saratoga County Committee Man for several years; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Alois A. Matousek was a member of
the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, working his way up to be Grand
Master of New York State; he was also a trustee for the United Methodist
Church in Edinburg; and

WHEREAS, Alois A. Matousek died on January 14, 2022, at the age of
91 years old; 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,
Alois A. Matousek 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 Alois A. Matousek 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 Alois A. Matousek.