Senate Resolution No. 2719

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Joseph Mark Fletcher 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 Joseph
Mark Fletcher 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, Born on August 14, 1945, to Felix and Betty (Wilson)
Fletcher in Everett, Washington, Joseph Mark Fletcher graduated from
Walla Walla High School in 1963, and attended Washington State
University for two years; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Mark Fletcher enlisted in the United States Army on
April 13, 1966 in Spokane, Washington; after basic training he qualified
as a paratrooper and went on to become a member of the Special Forces,
also known as the Green Berets; and

WHEREAS, While at Fort Bragg, Sergeant Joseph Mark Fletcher received
23 weeks of training as a combat engineer; in 1968, he was stationed in
Southeast Asia where he trained Vietnamese Special Forces in the
Republic of Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, Honorably discharged on April 6, 1969, Sergeant Joseph Mark
Fletcher received the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service
Medal, the Parachute Badge, and the M14 Sharpshooter Medal for his
valiant service to his country; and

WHEREAS, Joseph Mark Fletcher and the former Julianne Case were
united in marriage in Walla Walla in 1969; from 1970 to 1973, Joe
attended Parks College of Aeronautical Technology in St. Louis
University where he learned to pilot a plane; after the couple's two
children, Christian and Mona, were born, Joe went to work as a loan
officer at Baker Boyer Bank; and

WHEREAS, Joseph and Julianne Fletcher were living in Livingston, New
York, when he passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 77; in
addition to his lovely wife and two children, Joe left behind four
adored grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, A man with a generous heart and an intense love of animals,
Joseph Mark Fletcher is remembered as an astute, discerning and
honorable man who instilled a high moral sense in his children, whom he
was fiercely proud of; he had a creative mind, a quick sense of humor
and wit, and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body;
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,
Joseph Mark Fletcher 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 Joseph Mark Fletcher 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 Joseph Mark Fletcher.