Senate Resolution No. 2246

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Donald C. Monica 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, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Donald C.
Monica 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

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
a resolution in 2014 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 November 28, 1945 in Malone, New York, to Carl and
Mary Jane (Shnob) Monica, Donald C. Monica graduated from Corinth High
School in 1963; and

WHEREAS, Donald C. Monica entered into the United States Army on
September 28, 1965, and was first ordered to Fort Dix, New Jersey for
basic training before training as an Engineer Equipment Repairman at the
US Army Engineering Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, In April of 1966, Donald C. Monica was ordered to Vietnam
and was assigned to "B" Company, 84th Engineer Battalion; in Vietnam,
Don and his unit were responsible for the construction of major bases,
depot facilities, warehouses, roads, bridges, and airfields; and

WHEREAS, After valiantly serving in Vietnam from May 9, 1966 to May
9, 1967, Donald C. Monica returned to the United States and completed
his service at Fort Belvoir where he assisted in the training of
incoming soldiers; and

WHEREAS, On September 27, 1968, Donald C. Monica was honorably
discharged at the rank of Sergeant; for his courageous service during
the Vietnam War, he received the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service
Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense
Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Donald C. Monica married the love of his life, Susan, on
May 27 1967 in Lake Luzerne, and together they raised their three sons,

Andrew, Timothy, and Scott; Don worked at Corinth Central Schools and
was the head mechanic of the bus fleet until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, As a fourth generation maple sugar producer, Donald C.
Monica also owned and operated Maple Valley Farm in Hadley, New York,
where he produced delicious maple syrup and various maple products for
many years; he passed the tradition onto his sons, Tim and Scott, and
his granddaughter Abby, who continue the family tradition; and

WHEREAS, Donald C. Monica was a founding member of the Maple
Producers Association and a longtime member of the Horace D. Washburn
American Legion Post 533, and the Knights of Columbus where he spent
several nights calling numbers for BINGO; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Donald C. Monica also served as a Boy Scout Leader, was a
member of the Grange, Fire Commissioner of the Hadley-Luzerne Fire
Department, and a proud Board Member of the Saratoga County Soil and
Water District; and

WHEREAS, Donald C. Monica died on February 9, 2021, at the age of
75; 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 their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Donald C. Monica 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 Donald C. Monica 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 Donald C. Monica.