Senate Resolution No. 1434

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Richard Traeger 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 esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Richard
Traeger 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, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023; 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, Richard Traeger was born on February 8, 1940, in Albany,
New York to Clarence and Mildred; he graduated from Albany High School
in 1959; and

WHEREAS, He entered the U.S. Air Force on January 5, 1960, serving
as a Personal Equipment Specialist in the 814th Combat Support Group,
99th Bombardment Wing; Richard Traeger was tasked with providing and
keeping available necessary supplies for the operation of the Base; and

WHEREAS, The 99th Bomb Wing's mission, as part of the Strategic Air
Command, was to keep bombers and tankers on ground alert at all times
and armed with nuclear weapons that could be deployed at a moment's
notice 24 hours a day; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Richard
Traeger was awarded the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Richard Traeger was honorably discharged from military
service on December 20, 1963; and

WHEREAS, After his dedicated service, Richard Traeger married his
cherished wife, Judith, with whom he had three beloved children; and

WHEREAS, Richard Traeger worked for Niagara Mohawk Power Company for
over 30 years as a Gas Mechanic; he also enjoyed hunting, and was a
longtime member of the Hadley Hunting Club; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Richard Traeger was a member of
the Rotterdam Elks, The Hadley American Legion, and sat on the Town of
Day planning board for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Richard Traeger died on December 16, 2022, at the age of
82; 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,
Richard Traeger 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 Richard Traeger 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 Richard Traeger.