Senate Resolution No. 2715

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, 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 esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sergeant
Cornelius Richard Rogers, 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

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, Cornelius Richard "Sonny" Rogers, Jr., was born to
Cornelius R. and Bertha (Bartlow) Rogers in Great Barrington,
Massachusetts, on December 22, 1949; he was raised in Philmont, New
York, attending schools in the Ockawamick Central School District; and

WHEREAS, On January 9, 1969, Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., enlisted
in the United States Air Force in Albany, New York; his training
commenced at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and
additional training for aircraft mechanics occurred at Sheppard Air
Force Base, also in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant (E-4) Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., was assigned
to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, which was deployed to Thailand in
Southeast Asia, for four months during the Vietnam War after which he
was stationed with the same unit in Germany where he earned his General
Education Diploma (GED); at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, he
was honorably discharged from duty; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Sergeant Cornelius Richard
Rogers, Jr., was awarded the Air Force Service Medal, Air Force Campaign
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal;
and

WHEREAS, Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., married Irene Miller on May
23, 2021, in Livingston, New York; during his career, he worked in
maintenance for the Columbia County Department of Public Works prior to
his employment as a toll collector for the New York State Thruway
Authority from which he retired; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., was
a lifetime member of the Ghent VFW Post No. 5933, Past Commander of the

Copake VFW Post No. 7955, Second Vice Commander of the Hudson American
Legion Post No. 184, and a lifetime member of the DAV Chapter 150; and

WHEREAS, Watching his grandchildren participate in sports, fishing
in Saratoga and Lake George, and attending family barbecues were just a
few pleasures Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., enjoyed during his
retirement; and

WHEREAS, Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr., died on February 18, 2023,
at the age of 73; he is survived by his lovely wife, Irene; five
stepchildren; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; all who
count themselves fortunate to have shared their lives with him will
deeply miss his warm disposition; 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 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,
Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, 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 Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, 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 Sergeant Cornelius Richard Rogers, Jr.