LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring World War II veteran Robert J. Schaefer,
for his distinguished service to the United States Army Air Forces

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 peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as to those who
have served in times of peace; 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor World War II
veteran Robert Schaefer, for his distinguished service to the United
States Army Air Forces; and
WHEREAS, As a teenager, Robert Schaefer attended Buffalo Technical
High School and also worked as a full-time welder at the Curtiss-Wright
aircraft factory in Cheektowaga, New York; an aerial engineer and gunner
aboard a B-24 bomber, he was involved in 14 combat missions over Europe
during the war; and
WHEREAS, On his last mission, Robert Schaefer was in the air along
with 1,000 other planes dropping fragmentation bombs on German forces in
northern Italy; he was honorably discharged from service in November of
1945, and then began attending Buffalo State Teachers College where he
earned an industrial arts degree; and
WHEREAS, Robert Schaefer served 38 years as a teacher and school prin-
cipal in the Williamsville School District; he was the principal at Heim
Middle School for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Recently on an Honor Flight to the National World War II
Memorial in Washington, D.C., Robert Schaefer was approached by a former
student who told him that he played a significant role in his decision
to become a teacher as well; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Snyder, New York, Robert Schaefer's most promi-
nent honors are the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster and the European-Af-
rican-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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
honor World War II veteran Robert J. Schaefer, for his distinguished
service to the United States Army Air Forces; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert J. Schaefer.